Biomaterials for photocatalysis: An overview

Light-responsive bioinspired materials are emerging materials for precise and controllable medical and biological applications. These light-responsive bioinspired materials have been studied to design light-induced modulators, nanovehicles and biopolymers to control cell behavior, as well as regulate environments. Photocatalysis uses sustainable, eco-friendly, natural light and power for effective chemical conversion. Biomaterial-assisted photocatalysis has become a hot spot for research due to its applications: degradation of pollutants in water and air, artificial photosynthesis, photochromism, cancer therapy, drug delivery, dissipation of heat and energy, sterilization and production of affordable energy sources. Photo-generated electrons, bandgap energy and generation of electron-hole pair are applied to degrade or create different compounds by absorbing or releasing energy or heat. This chapter will focus on the principle of photocatalysis along with biomaterial-assisted photocatalysts.