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 one of our core goals. 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 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 and safe for air plants, humans and pets. Made from simple ingredients — 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.
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 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 constantly expanding and aim to open European and Eastern markets soon!
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.