Bacteriorhodopsin is a protein found in archaeal cells. It uses the energy from light to pump protons across the cell membrane. The resulting proton gradient is used to drive the ATP making machinery that powers the cell. Our eyes have a similar light sensitive protein called rhodopsin in their retinas. Rhodopsins have seven trans-mebrane helixes and contain a molecule of retinal which triggers the protein when it absorbs a photon of light.
Although bacteriorhodopsin has a different natural function than the rhodopsin found in our eyes, research is being done to see if the proton gradient it creates from light can be used to stimulate the cells in damaged retinas, and restore sight. LambdaVision is a Connecticut based company which is developing a retinal implant made from bacteriorhodopsin for patients suffering from degenerative retinal diseases. I’ve seen the effects of macular degeneration in my family, and it is good to know that this debilitative disease may soon be treatable with bacteriorhodopsin.
It’s very optimistic and encouraging to know that medical science is going on and soon can help some people