Abstract: A nanostructure comprising at least one semiconductor nanoparticle bound to a photocatalytic unit of a photosynthetic organism is disclosed. The nanoparticle and a binding between the nanoparticle and the photocatalytic unit are selected such that transfer of electrons from the photocatalytic unit to the nanoparticle is prevented or suppressed relative to transfer of excitons from the nanoparticle to the photocatalytic unit. Uses of same and methods of fabricating devices with same are also disclosed. Nanostructures comprising electrically conductive nanoparticles are also disclosed.