Biotechnology

BIOLUMINESCENT PLANTS VIA GENETIC ENGINEERING
Glow Plant holds a strategic position in the newly emerging industry of bioluminescent plants and sustainable lighting systems. Our long-term goals of creating bioluminescent plants fuel our research and constant scientific breakthroughs. Utilizing DNA and cell bacteria from naturally occurring bioluminescence our goal is to produce plants that glow at the cellular level from seedling to maturity. Our research inspired our current line of non GMO glowing tillandsias. Our laboratory is set up to house all of our specimens in a safe and effective manner. As we are working with various fungi and rare species, we must make efforts to keep the environment sterile and secure at all times. We are rapidly expanding and require more lab equipment and space.
WHY PLANTS?
Developing bioluminescent plants containing the genetic code of micro-organisms that can grow and glow indefinitely is our core focus. Plants are already a wonder of nature that humanity has forgotten to appreciate. So let's remind people how beautiful and amazing they can be!
Phase one: Genetic Engineering
We aim to engineer these micro-organisms and fungi to make them more efficient in terms of light production (intensity, stability, capacity) and aim to transfer this information into plants.
Phase two: Field Trial Studies
We are working to change the view on electrical lighting systems. The impacts our technologies will have on environmental systems is far less than a single conventional light bulb. It is our goal here for environmental sustainability and safety. Therefore all our technologies must first be approved by government bodies such as CFIA, Environment Canada, and Health Canada.
Phase three: Commercialization
Glow Plant Inc. is consistently strengthening its position by arranging licensing agreements, partnerships, and joint ventures with larger organizations. We continue to build a solid retail presence within North America and will grow.


BIOLUMINESCENT FUNGI
Fungi possess a simple bioluminescent system, with luciferin being only two enzymatic steps from its metabolic pathways. Engineering this bioluminescent system into plants can be achieved by essentially converting caffeic acid to luciferin. The reactions are catalyzed by four enzymes: luciferase nnLuz, hispidin synthase nnHispS, hispidin-3-hydroxylase nnH3H and oxyluciferin recycling enzyme nnCPHit.
BIOLUMINESCENT ALGAE
We also study bacterial luciferin found in marine biolological systems. Dinoflagellate luciferin is thought to be derived from chlorophyll, and has a very similar structure. At pH 8 (in the daytime due to photosynthesis) the molecule is "protected" from the luciferase by a "luciferin-binding protein", but when the pH lowers to around 6 (at night due to respiration), the free luciferin reacts and light is produced.

Projects
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
Glow Plants
Glow Plants produce light by means of a natural chemical reaction which occurs in a silica coated photoluminescent compound applied directly to the leaves. The compound is interferes minimally with the plants natural growth and photosynthesis processes meaning it allows the plant to grow, breathe and absorb water.
It's a non-toxic compound synthesized to be safe for air plants, humans and pets. Made from simple ingredients — and it's water-based.
The synthesized compound applied to our plants produces a phosphorescent photo-luminescent reaction meaning it absorbs UV light and converts this energy to visible light with a slow release or "decay" time (it absorbs energy faster than it releases it). This is what gives our plants their long lasting glow.
HOW?
⌬ NANOPARTICLES: Are a specially formulated composition of strontium aluminate encapsulated in silica to create a thin boundary layer which helps to refract light, further reducing the visible appearance.
⌬ WATER BASED SEALANT: Is formulated and purified to act as a nanoparticle suspension agent and a catalyst to form a solid crystalline structure and ensures a long lasting coating.
⌬ CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE: Is designed to be porous which allows for light, air and moisture to pass through. This is why our compounds can be safely applied to air plants which use their foliage for absorbing nutrients, water and respiration.
⌬ OTHER NATURAL PRODUCTS: Are mixed to create a water based solution during our particle application process and speed up the drying and crystallizing process. Once dried, the compound will permanently bind to the plant foliage and trichomes.
Bioluminescent Microorganisms
Liquid cultures of bioluminescent non-pathogenic E.coli bacteria, engineered to contain bioluminescence from vibrio fischeri marine bacteria.
This is a liquid culture of genetically modified bacterial specimens which provides both; An educational insight into what we are working on in the lab, and a visually stunning display of living light in the comfort and tranquility of your own home.
Vibrio Fischeri
Are bioluminescent marine bacteria found abundantly in ocean environments. Primarily they can be found in symbiosis with other organisms such as the bobtail squid or flashlight fish. This bacteria exhibits bioluminescence through plasmid PJE202 which has been inserted into a strain of non-pathogenic terrestrial e. coli bacteria.
E.Coli : non-pathogenic strain
Is an excellent candidate to allow people to grow safe microbial cultures in their own homes. It is resistant to temperature fluctuations and multiplies rapidly (6 hours).
HOW?
The engineered light produced by these microbial cultures is called Bioluminescence. These microbial broth cultures will only light up in the dark when gently swirled or shaken as the introduction of oxygen catalyzes their internal chemical/ biological reactions.
Do not drink Bioluminescent Bacteria! They are non-toxic but live in Lysogeny Broth (LB Nutrients) which is not digestible.
The bioluminescence or lifespan of these microbial cultures last for the following timeframes in the corresponding environmental conditions:
⌬ 2-4 weeks when stored in the fridge at 4°C
⌬ 3-5 days when stored in room temperature up to 25°C
Future Developments
Genetically Modified Autoluminescent Plants
The genetic makeup of our future products must be precisely tuned to allow for safe introduction to the environment. These plants will only be suitable as houseplants and will NOT survive the natural Canadian Environment. We are working closely with CFIA and other organizations and policy makers/regulators to ensure our products meet the strict standards of commercial sales of plants which contain novel traits.
One of our top priorities is ensuring our products are safe for release to the public and environment. We ensure to follow all regulations set out by CFIA, Environment Canada, Health Canada, among others.
Sales Abroad
We are working around the clock to introduce our products globally. We are in considerations to open international fulfillment centers to better serve the demand. Locations under review include Europe, Asia and South America.
Living Sustainable Light Systems
Our vision is to become a leader in sustainable lighting and our mission is environmental sustainability and protection. Yes that's right! We create sustainable systems with sustainable practices!
Maintaining Carbon Neutrality
Glow Plant advocates on behalf of the environment. Our practices are environmentally friendly and sustainability is one of our key priorities. We offer Carbon Neutral Shipping on all orders and donate a portion of profits back into Canadian founded green technologies.
Want More?
Check out our FAQs page for more detailed information and please contact us if you wish to further discuss our developments.