Stabilization of biological photosystems : immobilization of thylakoids and chromatophores for hydrogen production and ATP regeneration.

Lettuce thylakoïds were immobilized by the action of glutaraldehyde at subzero temperature in the presence of albumin. Foam structures with good mechanical properties were obtained. The activity yields for photosystem II and photosystems I + II were found equal to 71 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. The yield for ATP regeneration from ADP and Pi was 26 per cent. Increases of stability after immobilization were observed for all the functions of thylakoïds when stored and when continuously working. Spheroplasts and chromatophores from Rhodopseudomonas capsulata were immobilized with the same method; yields for ATP regeneration were found equal to 40 per cent and 70 per cent, respectively. An important increase of stability after immobilization was observed in both cases.