Glow plants have been engineered to produce light through a process known as chemiluminescence. This process involves the release of energy in the form of light by a chemical reaction which occurs in a synthesized nanoparticle compound applied to the plant foliage. The compound has minimal interference with the plants natural growth and photosynthesis processes meaning it allows the plant to grow, breathe and absorb water. It is synthesized to be non-toxic to humans and it's water-based.

 
HOW?
⌬ In the case of Glow Plants, the chemical reaction that produces light is triggered by a synthesized nanoparticle coating applied on the leaves of the plant. This coating is made up of small particles that are designed to absorb ultraviolet (UV) light, which is present in sunlight during the day and then release visible light when exposed to darkness at night. 

⌬ When UV light is absorbed by the nanoparticle coating, it triggers a chemical reaction and causes the slow release of energy in the form of visible light. This visible light is then emitted by the plant at night, creating the glowing effect.

⌬ The specific mechanism by which the nanoparticle coating produces light is known as photoluminescence. This process involves the absorption of energy by the coating material, which excites electrons within the material to a higher energy state. When these electrons return to their original energy state, they release energy in the form of light.

⌬ By engineering plants to produce light in this way, our researchers hope to create sustainable and energy-efficient sources of light that could be used for a variety of purposes, including as a source of illumination in commercial or urban settings, or as a way to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional lighting systems. 

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