Everything begins with a fungus, the ringless honey mushroom (
Desarmillaria tabescens), a parasite known for its luminous qualities. Combined with balsa wood, it offers an intriguing mix: a stable material capable of glowing intensely. This biohybrid opens up unprecedented possibilities for sustainable lighting.
To create this luminescent wood, researchers immersed the fungus and balsa in extremely humid conditions for three months. This incubation allowed the wood to absorb up to eight times its weight in water, a necessary condition for the process to initiate.
The key element of this luminescence is luciferase, an enzyme that, in the presence of oxygen, triggers a chemical reaction emitting green light. This is the same enzyme produced by fireflies. The result: a persistent glow lasting ten days, as detailed in
Advanced Science.
Despite the degradation of lignin by the fungus, the cellulose in the wood remains intact. This characteristic ensures the mechanical stability of the material, making various applications possible. In-depth analyses, including spectroscopy, confirm the integrity of this biohybrid structure.
Scientists aim to enhance the brightness and extend its duration. If these objectives are achieved, this bioluminescent wood could replace some traditional light sources, offering an ecological and economical solution.
a) Vacuum-impregnated block of balsa wood absorbing water, then autoclaved.
b) Growth of D. tabescens in an aqueous medium containing 3% microfibrillated cellulose (MFC).
c) Submersion colonization of balsa wood by rhizomorphs and mycelium of D. tabescens.
d) After 1 to 4 months of incubation, cleaned blocks of wood exposed to air, intensifying their bioluminescence as they dry.
e) Comparison of bioluminescence between treated wood, untreated controls, and non-lignified materials (PETG cubes or casings). The strongest bioluminescence observed in treated wood.
Unlike other studies on bioluminescent living plants, here, "dead" wood broadens the fields of application. Illuminating furniture or walls could revolutionize architecture and design while reducing energy footprints.
What is bioluminescence?
Bioluminescence refers to the ability of certain living organisms to produce light through specific chemical reactions. This natural phenomenon is found in a variety of species, such as fireflies, jellyfish, and certain fungi.
At the heart of this process is an enzyme called luciferase, which plays an essential role. It catalyzes the transformation of a molecule, luciferin, emitting light. This reaction requires oxygen and produces cold light, meaning no heat is released.
In nature, bioluminescence serves various purposes: attracting prey, communicating, or even scaring off predators. Recreated in labs, it offers promising applications such as sustainable lighting or medical tracking.
By combining science and nature, researchers aim to harness this phenomenon to develop innovative materials and reduce our energy consumption.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND