The Cross-Species Implantable ATP Battery Inspired by Photosynthesis for Application in Diseases

Maike Chen,1,2,* Weiyue Zhang,3,* Baicheng Qu,1,2 Xin Huang1,2 1Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China; 2Hubei Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Multi-Disciplinary Translational Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: At, Weiyue Zhang, Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China, Email zhangweiyuehust@163.com Xin Huang, Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, People’s Republic of China, Email xin_huang@hust.edu.cnAbstract: Insufficient cellular energy and reducing equivalents critically disrupt physiological homeostasis, compromising the body’s intrinsic repair mechanisms and posing a major challenge for treating many diseases. This review aims to explore the cross-species implantable ATP battery inspired by photosynthesis for application in diseases. This technology is designed to autonomously regenerate ATP within compromised human cells, directly countering the metabolic deficits underlying disease progression. We systematically delineate the three foundational components of this artificial photosynthetic system: the photooxidation module, responsible for transducing light energy into an electrochemical proton gradient; the photophosphorylation module, which harnesses this gradient to power ATP synthesis; and the encapsulation system, essential for spatial organization, functional integrity, and targeted cellular delivery. The coordinated operation of these modules enables sustained, light-powered ATP production within human cells, establishing a functional mimicry of natural photosynthesis at the cellular level. Moreover, we evaluate the therapeutic feasibility of this platform across diverse pathological contexts, including the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, metabolically impaired tissue regenerations, and energy-deficient neurons. This technology platform integrates synthetic biology, materials science, and targeted delivery strategies. By directly restoring cellular bioenergetics and facilitating reparative processes, it holds transformative potential for treating diverse diseases. Thereby, it represents a pioneering step towards establishing metabolic reprogramming and precision energy restoration as a core clinical therapeutic modality in human diseases.Keywords: synthetic biology, artificial photosynthesis system, cross-species drug transportation, energy battery, human diseases