Real-time structural dynamics in cyanobacterial photosystems

Photosynthetic proteins have evolved over millions of years to perform various functions efficiently on nanoscale. Thus, a deeper understanding may inspire biohybrid devices to cope with societal challenges like the need for green electricity or fuel. Prototypical examples include the orange carotenoid protein working as a high-light sensor and photosystems I and II catalyzing photochemical reactions. While their static protein structures are resolved at high resolution, many aspects of their function remain enigmatic. The latter insufficiency is due to their highly dynamic nature with structural changes on various time and length scales. These dynamical processes will be investigated by unique (real-time) neutron scattering methods adapted to the physiologically relevant protein solution state. This requires the further development of innovative pump-probe neutron techniques with in-situ illumination and novel combinations of experiments with structural and dynamical simulations.