 This research has created a new type of primitive pigment that could have been used by early life forms to harness light energy for their own purposes. It consists of a combination of amino acids and metal ions, which when exposed to hydrothermal conditions, form a hybrid microsphere containing carbonate-doped zinc sulfide nanocrystals. These crystals act as a light harvesting antenna, allowing the pigment to absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy through a variety of photochemical reactions, such as H2 evolution, CO2 photoreduction, and NAD plus reduction to NADH. Additionally, guest molecules like glutamate dehydrogenase can be encapsulated within the hierarchical structure of the pigment, allowing for sustained photo enzymatic synthesis of glutamate. This study provides important insights into the emergence of light energy utilizing metabolisms and the origins of life. This article was authored by Kailu, Xiao Kamren, Jinxian Sun, and others.