According to Reuters, the future of lighting may be illuminated not by electric bulbs, but by bioluminescent plants. MIT engineers have successfully developed a plant that glows on its own by introducing special nanoparticles into the leaves of watercress. The plant emitted light for up to four hours, offering a glimpse into a world where living organisms could serve as natural light sources.
The glowing effect is achieved using an enzyme called luciferase, which reacts with a molecule known as fluorescein to produce light. Another key component in this process is CoA, which helps remove a by-product that would otherwise inhibit the enzyme's activity. By carefully engineering these elements, the researchers were able to create a sustainable and long-lasting glow.
To ensure the enzymes work effectively without harming the plant, the team used nanocarriers—tiny particles that deliver the chemicals precisely where they're needed. This approach not only improves efficiency but also prevents toxicity. As a result, the watercress plant can emit a soft glow similar to a small table lamp.
The MIT research team envisions a future where such technology could be scaled up to provide illumination for streets, offices, or even homes. Professor Michael Strano, a chemical engineering expert at MIT, explained, "We want to use plants as a table lamp that doesn’t need to be plugged in. The light should come from the energy the plant naturally produces." He added, "This opens the door to new forms of lighting powered entirely by treated plants."
Luciferase is found in many bioluminescent species, including fireflies. Their glow comes from a chemical reaction where luciferin is converted into oxyluciferin, releasing light in the process. This reaction is highly efficient, converting most of the energy directly into light rather than heat.
Lighting accounts for nearly 20% of global energy consumption, making bioluminescent plants a promising alternative. Initially, the glowing effect lasted only about 45 minutes, but now it can last up to 3.5 hours. A small watercress seedling produces light that’s just one-thousandth as bright as regular reading light—but it’s enough to illuminate text on a page.
The team believes further optimization of chemical concentrations and release rates could significantly enhance both the brightness and duration of the glow. They are also exploring methods to apply the nanoparticles directly onto plant leaves through printing or spraying, potentially turning large trees into natural light sources.
In addition, the researchers discovered they could turn off the glow by introducing nanoparticles carrying a luciferase inhibitor. This breakthrough could lead to smart plants that respond to environmental cues like sunlight, automatically dimming or turning off when no longer needed.
This innovative technology not only offers a sustainable lighting solution but also highlights the potential of bioengineering to merge nature with modern needs. As the field advances, we may soon see a world where glowing plants light our way—naturally and efficiently.
Editor: Yan Zhixiang
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