[ad_1]
Researchers have created a bionic mushroom that can help you light up our homes.
In a new study published in the journal Nano Letters on Wednesday, they reported that they created a product that can produce its own electricity. Study researcher Manu Mannoor, from the Stevens Institute of Technology, and colleagues created the electricity-generating by integrating cyanobacteria capable of producing electricity with nanoscale materials that can collect the current.
Like plants, cyanobacteria, bacteria with blue-green color, can create their own energy through photosynthesis. The researchers said that the microbes are known in the bioengineering community as capable of creating electricity. Unfortunately, cyanobacteria do not last long because of the artificial surfaces that are used to host the bacteria thriving long enough. In the new study, the researchers reported that they found their homes within the market.
Mannoor and colleagues used a 3D printer to create two types of electronic ink patterns. One contains the bacteria and the other contains graphene nanoribbons for collecting the current. These patterns were then placed on the mushroom's cap. Mannoor explained to USA Today that they integrated the microbes and the mushroom in a manner that allowed the cyanobacteria to produce energy by photosynthesis while the mushroom provides it the convenient shelter to do so.
Sudeep Joshi
/
Stevens Institute of Technology
Mannoor said that this shelter features moisture and other biophysiological conditions that are convenient to help the bacteria to thrive longer. The geometry of the mushroom also provides ample sunlight.
Researchers shone light on the mushroom to spur photosynthesis in the bacteria and start the photocurrent. The mushroom was able to produce a current of about 65 nanoAmps. This LED may be used for LEDs, but it is possible that LEDs can be used.
According to a statement from the Stevens Institute of Technology, the work could not be changed. The researchers also think that cyanobacteria holds potential in other applications. "With this work, we can imagine huge opportunities for next-generation bio-hybrid applications," Mannoor said. "For example, some bacteria can glow, while others sense toxins or produce fuel. By seamlessly integrating these microbes with nanomaterials, we could conceivable many other amazing designer bio-hybrids for the environment, defense, healthcare, and many other fields. "
Original Article can be found here
Source link
