Nature is full of bioluminescent organisms, such as certain mushrooms emitting a green glow or bluish plankton, but domestic plants could soon join this illuminated club. A team of researchers has developed an innovative method to give plants the ability to glow in the dark, without resorting to complex genetic modifications.
These scientists used phosphorus particles, similar to those in glow-in-the-dark toys, which they injected into plants. These compounds absorb ambient light, such as from the sun or LED lamps, and then gradually release it over a period of up to two hours. The key to success lies in the optimal particle size, about 7 micrometers, allowing effective diffusion through leaf tissues.
Succulents glow in red, green, blue and other colors after infusion of afterglow phosphorus particles, which capture and slowly release light.
Credit: Matter (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.matt.2025.102370 Among the species tested, only succulents showed intense luminescence, thanks to their narrow and uniform leaf channels that facilitate particle dispersion. Contrary to initial expectations, these plants with dense structures proved more effective than those with airy tissues. The team created a variety of colors, from green to red and blue, demonstrating the versatility of the approach.
A wall composed of 56 modified succulents was built, producing enough light to illuminate nearby objects and enable reading. Each plant costs about $1.40 to prepare, excluding labor, making the technique accessible and inexpensive. Although brightness decreases over time, this innovation paves the way for applications in lighting.
Researchers are now exploring how to extend this method to other types of plants and are studying the long-term impacts on plant health.
Natural bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is a phenomenon where living organisms produce light through internal chemical reactions. It is common in certain marine species, such as jellyfish or plankton, as well as in insects like fireflies.
This process generally involves an enzyme called luciferase, which acts on a molecule named luciferin, releasing energy in the form of photons. Unlike fluorescence, which requires an external light source, bioluminescence is autonomous and can occur in total darkness.
In nature, it serves various purposes, such as communication, attracting prey, or defense against predators. Naturally bioluminescent plants are rare, but some, like mushrooms, use this mechanism to disperse their spores or attract insects.
Understanding these biological processes helps scientists develop innovative applications, such as artificial glowing plants, without genetically altering organisms.
Phosphorescent materials
Phosphorescent materials are compounds capable of absorbing light energy and gradually re-emitting it over an extended period. They are often used in everyday objects, such as watch dials or glow-in-the-dark toys.
These materials work thanks to impurities or defects in their crystalline structure, which trap electrons excited by light. When these electrons return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of photons, creating a persistent glow.
Unlike fluorescent materials, which emit light immediately after excitation, phosphorescent ones have a longer emission duration, ranging from a few minutes to several hours. This property makes them ideal for applications requiring prolonged illumination without a constant energy source.
In the field of plants, the use of phosphorescent particles offers a simple and inexpensive alternative to genetic methods, allowing direct integration without modifying the plant's DNA.