Researchers engineered photosynthetic cells to redirect some of their light-driven electron flow toward hydrogen production. In a 2020 proof of concept, they fused an algal hydrogenase enzyme into photosystem I and observed light-dependent hydrogen generation for several days. The result shows that photosynthetic electron transport can be rewired in living cells; it does not establish an industrial process or commercial hydrogen output.
What the researchers changed
In oxygenic photosynthesis, photosystem II extracts electrons from water, and the photosynthetic electron-transport chain passes them downstream. In the 2020 study, Kanygin and colleagues inserted the sequence for an algal hydrogenase called HydA into PsaC, a subunit of photosystem I (PSI). The fused components co-assembled and were active in engineered cells.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hydrogenase can use electrons to reduce protons, producing molecular hydrogen (H2). The engineered cells redirected photosynthetic electron flow away from carbon dioxide fixation and toward proton reduction. As the paper’s abstract puts it, “In these engineered cells, photosynthetic electron flow is directed away from CO2 fixation and towards proton reduction, demonstrating the possibility of driving novel redox chemistries using electrons from water splitting and the photosynthetic electron transport chain.” Kanygin et al., Energy & Environmental Science, first published April 17, 2020.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat the experiment demonstrated—and what it did not
The engineered cells produced hydrogen in response to light for several days. That is evidence that the fused PSI–hydrogenase system functioned in living cells, not a measurement of industrial performance.
#1 Best Overall
- SAFE IS OUR PRIORITY - Our plates are sterilized using biotech industry standards. They are proved to be safe for kids.
- BIOTECH QUALITY, FRESH AND READY-TO-USE: Factory-direct fresh 10 100-mm Pre-poured sterile LB-agar plates and 10 sterile 6-inch long swabs (in 5 pouches). Our plates are manufactured using the biotech GMP standards. Each plate has a fresh and thick layer of agar. Fresh plates promote faster and more bacterial growth as compared to aged stored plates. Re-sealable packaging convenient for re-use.
- COMPLETE SCIENCE KIT - The AGAR PLATES kit contains everything you need to carry out the science experience. Each kit includes 10 pre-poured agar plates, 10 sterile cotton swabs, 2 plastic droppers, and a easy to follow science experiment project guide.
- CONVENIENT, PRE-POURED PLATES. Our plates are ready-to-use. No need to prepare the plates yourself.
- WE VALUE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: We believe that you will enjoy your science fair project kit and would even suggest it to your acquaintances. However, if you are not entirely satisfied with it, please let us know and we will make things right.
The study’s reported result does not establish a hydrogen production rate, solar-to-hydrogen efficiency, net energy balance, cost, carbon intensity, or continuous operation at industrial scale. It also does not show that a market-ready organism or production plant exists. These limits matter because a successful redirection of electrons in a laboratory is only one part of making a practical fuel-production system.
How this route differs from other biological approaches
Photosynthetic hydrogen research includes several architectures. They should not be treated as interchangeable: electrons may be routed to a hydrogenase inside a cell, passed through other biological pathways, or used to generate current that drives hydrogen production at an electrode.
Rank #2
- THE ONLY PLANT KIT WITH 19 REAL BOTANY EXPERIMENTS - While most growing kits stop at watching one seed sprout, this kit takes kids through the entire secret world of plants. Grow roots without soil using hydroponics. Watch roots always point downward even when you flip the cup upside down. Turn a white flower two colours with food dye. Clone a living plant from a branch in 2 weeks. 19 activities. 19 genuine "aha" moments.
- 19 HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES THAT TEACH THE WHY, NOT JUST THE HOW - Seed anatomy, germination conditions, hydroponic root growth, tap vs fibrous root systems, water transport, transpiration, phototropism (plants bending toward light), plant propagation from cuttings, and the fan-favourite Grass Doll - kids grow a sock figure with real grass hair over one week. Every activity includes a "Science Behind the Experiment" explanation. Three bonus challenges included.
- COMPLETE INDOOR GARDENING KIT - USE SEEDS ALREADY AT HOME - Includes magnifier, 4 cups, 3 test tubes, 3 test tube stands, 3 hydroponic baskets, 2 flowerpots, cotton balls, ruler stickers, sponge, tweezers, wiggly eyes, and a 17-page illustrated activity guide. Designed around kitchen seeds dry beans, corn kernels, or grass seeds all sprout in 2–5 days. No special seeds, no extra shopping, no waiting on delivery.
- INTERACTIVE GROWTH TRACKING - RULER STICKERS & RECORDING CHARTS BUILT IN - Kids stick rulers directly onto their test tubes and log daily root length and plant height in printed recording charts throughout the activity guide. Three hydroponic test tubes grow side by side - soybean, corn, and grass - so kids compare how different seeds grow at different rates. Real scientific observation, not just watching one plant grow.
- A GIFT THAT KEEPS KIDS ENGAGED FOR WEEKS, NOT JUST ONE AFTERNOON - 19 activities means this indoor plant science kit isn't opened and forgotten. Designed for curious young minds ages 6–12. No batteries, no screens, no mess. Trusted by parents and teachers for birthdays, Christmas, homeschool enrichment, and classroom science projects. Non-toxic, lab-tested. A gift that builds a real love of nature and science.
PSI–hydrogenase chimera
In the 2020 chimera, the engineered PSI and hydrogenase were active together in cells, with photosynthetic electron flow directed toward proton reduction. The reported light-dependent production lasted several days. The study is a proof of concept for in-cell electron routing.
Hydrogenase pathways in algae and cyanobacteria
Green algae and cyanobacteria can produce hydrogen through hydrogenase-linked pathways that differ from the engineered fusion. A 2021 review discusses water biophotolysis, hydrogen metabolism, oxygen sensitivity, and other physiological, biochemical, and engineering constraints. Oxygen management is important in this field, but the oxygen tolerance and route are not identical across organisms and systems. Kosourov et al., Physiologia Plantarum, first published April 16, 2021; see also the PubMed abstract.
Rank #3
- FOR BASIC TEACHING TO ADVANCED SCIENCE: 444 pieces molecular model kit, including 136 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), provides to students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- TWO CHEMICAL STRUCTURE MODELS: The ball-and-stick models use spheres to represent atoms and sticks to represent chemical bonds. In the space-filling model, the spheres are drawn to scale and are next to one another as atoms are in real molecules.
- CHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAL MOLECULE MODEL IN 3D: It can display chemical structure, molecular bond, and bond angle in all directions. Demonstrate fundamental molecular geometry, chemical molecular structure, stereochemistry with 3D modeling studies.
- EASY TO LEARN: The universal standard adopted for each atom's color makes it easier for you to use and learn. Atoms and chemical bonds combine tightly and firmly and can be easily disassembled by disconnecting tools.
- If you’re not in love with it for whatever reason, we’ll give you a full replacement or refund—no questions asked. If you have any doubt, please tell us. With nothing to worry about, or even to share with your friends, try it now.
Bio-photoelectrochemical cells
A separate 2018 study used live cyanobacteria in a bio-photoelectrochemical cell. It reported photocurrent used for hydrogen evolution at a cathode with an applied bias of 0.65 V. The authors attributed the photocurrent to PSI and the electrons to carbohydrate metabolism through respiration. Here, hydrogen formed at an electrode; this is distinct from the 2020 chimera’s approach of directing electron flow toward hydrogen evolution within engineered cells. The 0.65 V figure applies only to that separate experimental system. Saper et al., Nature Communications, published June 4, 2018.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the field remains a research challenge
A 2021 review said photosynthetic hydrogen production was not yet efficient enough for industrial applications, citing physiological, biochemical, and engineering barriers. That assessment describes the field as reported at the time of the review; it should not be read as proof that no subsequent progress has occurred.
Rank #4
- Ready-to-go! No need to buy anything else to use this in your project.
- Algae beads can be used in both STEM and STEAM Projects. Algae beads are great for classroom demonstration for PHOTOSYNTHESIS and RESPIRATION
- Algae beads are great for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECTS
- Algae beads are easy to use and hard to kill. They are reusable for 1-4 months!
- In the classroom, use Algae Beads for climate change demonstrations
For the PSI–hydrogenase chimera specifically, the published evidence summarized here establishes activity and hydrogen generation over several days under illumination. It does not quantify the performance measures needed to judge scale-up, or show how the system would handle the oxygen, stability, and engineering demands of sustained production.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRelated project: PhotoSynH2
The European Commission’s CORDIS fact sheet describes PhotoSynH2 as a project investigating synthetic-biology “photosynthetic electron focusing” with re-engineered cyanobacteria. It documents a research approach and project aims, not evidence that a commercial technology has been achieved. European Commission CORDIS PhotoSynH2 project fact sheet.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
