Glowing plants could light our streets and buildings
STREET lights could one day be replaced by glowing trees, after scientists discovered how to make plants shine in the dark.
In a study funded by the US Department of Energy, researchers at MIT proved it is possible to inject the luminescent chemical used by fireflies into leaves so that they shimmer brightly.
In watercress, the leaves gave off a light strong enough to read a book by, and the scientists believe that plants could one day illuminate homes and offices, without the need for electricity, as well as providing street lighting.
“The vision is to make a plant that will function as a desk lamp – a lamp that you don’t have to plug in,” said senior study author Michael Strano, professor of chemical engineering at MIT.
“The light is ultimately powered by the energy metabolism of the plant itself. Our work very seriously opens up the doorway to streetlamps that are nothing but treated trees, and to indirect lighting around homes.”
Prof Strano’s lab has already designed plants which can detect explosives and monitor drought conditions. To create their glowing plants, the MIT team turned to luciferase, the enzyme that gives fireflies their gentle glow.
The new method works on any plant and has so far, been demonstrated with rocket, kale, spinach, and watercress. The glow lasts for four hours, but scientists believe that one day the plants will self power the reaction. The target is to perform one treatment when the plant is a seedling or a mature plant, and have it last for the lifetime.