Biosolar Membrane Using Vesicle-Thread Conjugates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power sources for nanotechnology and biotechnology devices are limited by their size, weight, and inefficiency, and lack the ability to provide energy in a form that is lightweight, compact, and sustainable, as they require carrying fuel and have low power density.
Innovation Solution
Development of a biosolar-powered material using vesicle-thread conjugates with embedded biocompatible polymer membranes and energy-converting proteins like bacteriorhodopsin and cytochrome oxidase, which convert optical energy into electrical energy, eliminating the need for fuel and enabling a lightweight, high-power-density energy source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional power sources are used for nanotechnology and biotechnology devices, then devices can be powered, but the power sources have large size, high weight, and low power density requiring fuel carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical power sources with a biological photosynthetic system. Chloroplasts and other energy-converting proteins are embedded in the membrane structure, utilizing light energy directly to generate electrical energy through natural biochemical processes, thereby eliminating the need for fuel storage and mechanical power generation components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite membrane structure integrating biological components (chloroplasts, proteins) with synthetic materials (polymer membrane, thread). This composite approach combines the energy conversion efficiency of biological systems with the structural stability and manufacturability of synthetic materials, achieving high power density in a lightweight format
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional power sources are used, then devices can operate, but the power sources require fuel carrying and have limited operational duration
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane structure performs self-powered operation through embedded energy-converting proteins that directly convert light energy into electrical energy. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no external fuel supply, as the photosynthetic and energy conversion processes occur autonomously within the membrane structure using only light as input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operational duration by utilizing sunlight as an inexhaustible energy source. The embedded chloroplasts and energy-converting proteins continuously convert light energy into electrical energy as long as light is available, eliminating the need for fuel replenishment and enabling indefinite operation under appropriate conditions
3Productivity
If biological membrane proteins are used, then high efficiency and nanometer scale functionality are achieved, but the proteins suffer from low strength, susceptibility to degradation, and requirement of aqueous environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds biological membrane proteins within a flexible polymer membrane matrix that provides structural support and protection. The membrane acts as a protective shell that maintains the proteins in their functional state while shielding them from environmental degradation, mechanical stress, and bacterial attack, thereby enhancing reliability without compromising functional efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where biological proteins are integrated with synthetic polymer materials. The synthetic component provides mechanical strength, chemical stability, and environmental resistance, while the biological component provides high functional efficiency. This composite approach allows the proteins to operate at nanometer scale with high efficiency while the synthetic matrix ensures long-term stability and reliability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The biosolar-powered material achieves high power density with negligible weight and volume, providing a sustainable energy source that can be integrated into various materials, including clothing, with efficiency comparable to solar cells and the potential for indefinite operation.
Implementation Method 1
energy-converting proteins like bacteriorhodopsin and cytochrome oxidase, which convert optical energy into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing man-made devices which have the properties and functions of biological membranes and membrane proteins, and to the structure of such devices. Briefly, in one aspect of the invention, natural or genetically engineered proteins are incorporated into a polymeric vesicle that is conjugated to a thread to form a vesicle-thread conjugate. The engineered protein is preferably a transmembrane protein embedded in the wall of the polymeric vesicle. The vesicle-thread conjugate is then formed into a membrane or thin fabric having a wide variety of inherent functionality, including the ability to selectively transport and/or filter compounds between fluids. By selecting proteins with specific properties, membranes can be fabricated with a defined functionality including molecular scale addressability via directed electrostatic, electromagnetic, and chemical forces.