Engineers at MIT Develop Luminescent Plants via Nanobionics Technology
**MIT's Revolutionary Nanobionic Light-Emitting Plants**
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a new approach to creating glowing plants, steering away from the traditional genetic modification methods. This innovative research, led by Professor Michael Strano, aims to develop plants that could function as desk lamps, powered by their own energy metabolism [1].
Unlike previous attempts at producing bioluminescent plants, MIT's **nanobionic plants** integrate nanoparticles containing luciferase, luciferin, and co-enzyme A, which are essential components for light emission in fireflies. This technology allows plants to glow for hours, surpassing the dim and short-lived glow of earlier genetically modified plants [2].
One of the key distinctions between the new research and previous efforts lies in the mechanism of light emission. While genetic engineering was used to incorporate bioluminescent genes in traditional glowing plants, MIT's plants use nanotechnology combined with bioluminescent chemistry, avoiding permanent genetic changes [1].
The components are packaged into different nanoparticle carriers and inserted into the plants' pores via a liquid solution. Although the development of a spray for easier application has been proposed, it is not yet a part of the current research [1].
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond simple lighting. The nanobionic concept offers a platform that could tailor plants to perform additional functions, such as sensing or environmental monitoring, which were not feasible with purely bioluminescent traits in earlier genetic approaches [1].
It's important to note that this research has not yet resulted in plants glowing for much longer or much brighter than the nanobionic watercress plants, which glow dimly for about four hours. However, the potential for future advancements is promising [2].
Previously, a Kickstarter-funded project aimed to create genetically modified glowing plants but faced challenges due to time and financial constraints, demonstrating the challenges of traditional genetic modification methods [1].
The vision of creating plants that can replace indoor lighting and streetlights is not yet a current achievement of the new research, but the potential for energy-efficient, self-powered lighting sources is undeniably exciting.
References: [1] Kwak, S.-Y. et al. (2021). Nanobionic Plants Powered by Energy Metabolism. Nano Letters. [2] MIT News: Nanobionic Plants Glow for Hours. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2021/nanobionic-plants-glow-hours-0413
Science and technology have merged in MIT's revolutionary nanobionic plants, as they use nanotechnology combined with bioluminescent chemistry for light emission, surpassing traditional methods of genetic engineering. This innovationnot only allows plants to glow for hours, but also paves the way for tailoring plants with additional functions, such as sensing or environmental monitoring.
