Glow-in-the-Dark Petunia Made From Mushroom Genes, Available by 2024

Mushroom genes were used to grow glow-in-the-dark petunias in a successful study. 

By utilizing mushroom DNA, Karen Sarkisyan, a synthetic biologist at Imperial College London, created glow-in-the-dark petunias.

By 2024, he wants to start selling the glowing plants.

Glow-in-the-Dark Petunias

As one of the engineers responsible for the glowing petunias, Sarkisyan is a cofounder of the biotech business Light Bion, based in Idaho.

The US Department of Agriculture gave the business approval to market and sell its sparkling petunias across the country.

Beginning in early 2024, the business intends to begin shipping the plants.

Incorporating DNA from the Neonothopanus nambi kind of bioluminescent mushroom gives the genetically modified plants a bright green color.

According to Sarkisyan, they are transferring a natural mechanism from a fungus that is often found in tropical woods to plants.

The N. nambi mushroom has an ordinary brown hue throughout the day. It emits an eerie green glow at night.

Bioluminescence in Various Species

Bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon, is present in 1,500 species like bacteria, fish, jellyfish, worms, and mushrooms.

In these species, luciferin reacts with oxygen, aided by luciferase, creating light energy.

In 2018, Sarkisyan's team identified glowing enzymes in N. nambi and inserted them into fast-growing tobacco plants, creating green illumination.

Sarkisyan co-founded Light Bio with Keith Wood, and they are known for early glowing plant work. However, their earlier attempts required luciferin spray for bioluminescence, limiting commercial appeal.

MIT researchers later used nanoparticles to deliver firefly enzymes into the plants, enabling plants to glow for hours. Nevertheless, the quest continues for naturally radiant, low-maintenance glowing plants.

Challenges of Developing Glowing Plants

In 2010, Stony Brook University scientists used marine bacteria genes to create a dim self-glowing plant.

Entrepreneur Antony Evans launched a Kickstarter in 2013 to make bright, electricity-free plants using different bacteria. The campaign raised nearly $500,000 but also raised concerns about invasive engineered plants.

Evans' company, Taxa Biotechnologies, struggled to fulfill the promise due to challenges in integrating genes within plants. Firefly and bacterial genes didn't work effectively in plants.

Mushroom Genes

Sarkisyan and Wood claim that the method for fungi to produce light can be coordinated with the plant's own metabolic process.

Caffeic acid, which is widely present in plants and necessary for the synthesis of cell walls, is a chemical involved in the process.

It can also be found in fungi, where four separate enzymes transform it into luciferin. The genes that produce such enzymes are engineered into the plant created by Light Bio.

They assert that compared to earlier plants, the new plants glow more brilliantly. The entire petunia plant's life cycle produces light, but the blossoms are very bright.

Wood claims that the light almost reaches these plants' spiritual essence.

Marketing Genetically Modified Plants

Few genetically modified ornamental plants, like blue roses and purple carnations, are on the market.

In the US, the government reviews GMO plant applications. The USDA approved Light Bio's petunia, deeming it safe and unlikely to harm agriculture.

However, Jennifer Kuzma, from North Carolina State University, worries about ecological effects, especially if these plants become widespread.

Also Read: European Bird Cherry Trees in Alaska Up for Weed Whacking in Statewide Battle Against Invasives 

10,000 People Are Waiting for Glow-in-the-Dark Petunias

In its USDA application, Light Bio addressed concerns by noting that petunias are typically grown in well-lit indoor environments, surpassing the plant's own luminescence.

The company is preparing for commercial production, with over 10,000 people already on the waiting list. They plan to start online sales next spring and expand to nurseries.

Light Bio aims to develop brighter ornamental plants. Drew Endy of Stanford University believes in the public's interest, citing past Kickstarter support.

He envisions practical applications, such as replacing harsh artificial lighting with these glowing houseplants.

Related Article: Witch Hazel Seed Dispersion at Bullet Speed Could Inspire Robotics, Researchers Say