Generating–Transferring–Diverting strategy for photosynthetic electron transfer chain remodeling

The photosynthetic electron transfer chain, central to light energy conversion in photosynthetic organisms, significantly determines energy-use efficiency and biomanufacturing potential. Although this system has been shaped by nature for ecological fitness in fluctuating natural environments, its translation into industrial biomanufacturing remains limited by insufficient electron-use efficiency, controllability of electron flow, and system stability. Addressing these challenges requires synthetic biology–driven and systematic engineering across multiple functional stages, from light capture to electron utilization. In this review, we summarize advances in remodeling the photosynthetic electron transfer chain through a Generating–Transferring–Diverting strategy, which integrates approaches for enhancing light-driven electron generation (Generating), regulating electron transfer processes (Transferring), and expanding downstream electron utilization for diverse biomanufacturing applications (Diverting). These efforts are supported by multidisciplinary synthetic biology tools, including gene editing, structural biology, computational modeling, materials science, and electrochemistry. Finally, we discuss current challenges related to efficiency optimization, regulatory complexity, and scalable implementation. Additionally, future directions are highlighted toward superiorly intelligent, modular, and integrated photosynthetic systems, opening new avenues for light-driven manufacturing, renewable synthesis, and carbon-negative conversion.