The idea of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Engineering was successful and now there are plants that glow. With their help the streets will be illuminated.
American genetic engineers, together with nanotechnologists, managed to develop luminous plants. The experiments were carried out on samples of watercress or watercress, a semi-aquatic plant of the cabbage family.
To achieve glow, pigments-lucephyrins, a special oxidizing enzyme similar to the genes of fireflies and luminous bacteria, were introduced into plants. These elements were transported into plant tissues using silicon nanoparticles. When they enter plants, they enter into a reaction, as a result of which energy begins to be released and the plant glows.
Gene modification and experiments with genes were not carried out. Scientists took a different route and simply introduced the necessary particles into the plant. The plant is soaked in the solution, high pressure is created, and particles penetrate into the plant through micropores.
Of course, ethical questions immediately arose. Is this harmful to plants and does this interfere with their normal functioning? Scientists immediately assured environmentalists that it was not harmful.
The composition of the introduced elements also includes a special coenzyme that can remove harmful substances resulting from oxidation.
Applications of luminous plants
Why did they come up with such a “miracle” - a plant and where can it help? There are no plants in nature that glow. Only a few living organisms have the ability to glow.
According to the researchers, such plants were bred in order to use them to illuminate streets at night without lanterns. Luminescent particles will circulate in the plant in this way so that they glow at night.
If the experiment is completely successful, it will be possible to save on electricity. According to statistics, almost 20% of all electricity produced is spent on street lighting.
At this stage, this is impossible, and although the removed plants glow, they cannot fully replace lighting devices. It is impossible to read underneath them without straining your eyesight. For now, their light is enough to illuminate a path for pedestrians or even a highway.
The first samples glowed for only 45 minutes, then they managed to achieve a 4-hour glow. Scientists want to achieve a result when plants glow throughout their lives. Plus, I would also like to simplify the delivery of reagents and make something like a spray.
Scientists are gradually increasing the power of luminous grass, and perhaps in the near future luminous grass will be able to become a full-fledged light source.
When the time comes for a whole series of holidays coming one after another, the question of gifts certainly arises. Particular problems with this arise for those who have not communicated with the heroes of the occasion for quite some time or who do not know them well at all. One cannot but agree that at all times and for any occasion, flowers have been and will be the universal gift. A bouquet will indeed always come to the rescue in such a situation. And today’s assortment of flowers in specialized flower shops can stun everyone. One of the most interesting recent innovations is the so-called luminous flowers.
Flowers that glow in the dark
A luminous flower is the most ordinary living flower, the bud of which is simply treated with a special glow-in-the-dark paint (luminophore) or bio-gel. Such flowers glow very elegantly in the dark. Any flower or even a whole bouquet can become unique and even more exquisite thanks to such processing. Glowing buds evoke extremely positive emotions in people. Many people associate them with a miracle, but few know that any person can create such a miracle with his own hands.
Both the luminous gel and the paint have very high environmental performance. They meet absolutely all necessary requirements and standards. Such flowers pose absolutely no danger to people, pets or indoor plants.
How to make your own flower that will glow?
It's not all that complicated. In fact, this does not require any special skills or knowledge. To make such a “miracle” you only need the imagination of the manufacturer and the necessary materials.
Options for making flowers that glow in the dark:
- Using a special glowing gel.
In this case, any fresh flowers are treated with a special bio-gel that glows in the dark. It will not be noticeable at all on the petals in normal daylight, but in the dark it gives an irresistible glow to the treated bud. It is very interesting to apply such a gel to the base of the petal, and not to the entire flower. Then in the dark it seems that some source of light is located somewhere deep inside the bud. It actually looks very impressive.
Using this gel, you can also apply any inscriptions to flowers, draw patterns on them or depict figures. In addition to imparting uniqueness and originality, bio-gel is also able to extend the life of a flower by reducing the evaporation of moisture from it.
- Using glowing paint.
Where can I get money to start my own business? This is exactly the problem that 95% of new entrepreneurs face! In the article, we revealed the most relevant ways to obtain start-up capital for an entrepreneur. We also recommend that you carefully study the results of our experiment in exchange earnings:
Paint, unlike bio-gel, is more invisible on the flower and even light. It has a very high level of vapor permeability and does not burden the bud itself, so the plant does not even “notice” the additional layer of paint on itself. The paint can be used for any growing or cut flowers.
This unique paint gives a brighter glow on white or any light-colored buds.
Price of materials and their consumption
A special glowing bio-gel is usually sold in standard bottles with a volume of 210 milliliters. Just one milliliter of such gel is required to color an entire bud. But such a bottle costs approximately forty euros.
Special luminous paint costs about seventy euros per liter. With this volume it will be possible to paint approximately one and a half thousand flower buds. You can also buy this paint in a set, which consists of several bottles with different shades. However, it is worth noting that the brightest glow is achieved exclusively when using pure phosphor paint.
Development direction
Naturally, this idea is most beneficial for those who are engaged in growing and selling flowers at a professional level.
However, even as a start to a flower business, you can safely consider luminous flowers. True, the costs of labor and material resources in this case will increase significantly, but there is also an advantage here. And it lies in the fact that the entrepreneur is already entering the market with a wide range of luminous colors. As additional income, you can use the sale of the most luminous bio-gel or paint. This product should also be in wide demand.
Taking into account everything written above, we can say with complete confidence that the profitability of this idea will exceed one hundred percent. But it will take a lot of hard work to get a really good result. Flowers that glow in the dark are a very promising trend in modern floristry. And the number of offers of this product on the domestic market is still very small.
How is the glowing flower made?
Glowing flowers are natural fresh flowers, peonies or any other plants, treated with a special composition approved by government certification bodies and absolutely harmless to humans.
Bio-gel, developed by European specialists, is unique in its properties. It allows the treated surface, located in a bright room, to retain the ability to emit light in the dark for some time. As a result of this magic, the bouquet is filled with luminous flowers. During the day they present a beautiful composition, and at night, in the absence of lighting, they are a kind of mysterious installation.
Letters on flowers
The technology for turning ordinary bouquets into magical ones is extremely simple. You can make a luminous flower by applying a liquid composition to the petals, stems, and leaves of plants. Thanks to this simple process, you can not only introduce novelty into the gift itself, but also convey a certain message to the recipient:
- writing on flowers about your feelings, for example: “I love you tenderly”;
- or congratulating the birthday person by writing in gel: “Happy Birthday!”
Give me a flower... glowing!
Flowers glowing at night can be presented on March 8, Valentine's Day, the birthday of your mother, aunt, niece, girlfriend or girlfriend. They will be especially appropriate for the New Year, because these flowers are so reminiscent of a bright Christmas tree garland!
In addition, such bouquets will look spectacular in the interior: at banquets, weddings or in your own home. They will find a worthy place not only indoors, but also outdoors. They can glow in the dark, replacing lanterns along the paths.
And he will live happily ever after
Applying a special composition to flowers does not shorten their lifespan. They will not wilt before untreated plants. On the contrary, the properties of the gel will slightly “preserve” your bouquet. It must be cared for in exactly the same way as its non-glow-in-the-dark counterpart.
If your mother or sister likes to keep warm memories, then you definitely need to present them with a glowing bouquet. The fact is that dried buds retain their properties. The service life of the biological composition is unlimited. Therefore, in a month or a year, your family and loved ones will be able to open the treasured box and look at the dry glowing petals. And if your mother can make ikebana, glowing flowers at night will illuminate her path in the apartment for a long time, reminding her of a wonderful gift!
What to give to your beloved mother, sister or wife? This is one of the most common problems on the eve of any celebration. A win-win option is a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. The florist market is filled with a rich variety, so there will never be any problems with choosing. However, to stand out, you should pay attention to luminous flowers! This is a fashionable and incredibly beautiful new product that will win the heart of any woman.
Our business assessment:
Starting investment - 5,000 rubles.
Market saturation is low.
The difficulty of starting a business is 1/10.
Glowing flower
The luminous bouquet consists of fresh flowers, pre-treated with bio-gel or special paint. Thanks to the procedure, an incredibly beautiful glowing effect is created in the dark. A simple technique makes each bud unique and special. This miracle leaves no one indifferent!
Treatment products are absolutely safe for plants, pets and humans. They undergo thorough testing and meet all environmental standards and requirements. Gel and paint are easy to use, everyone can decorate a bouquet on their own. This activity is simple, a lot of fun, and also pays well.
A chic bouquet will fill your home with a fabulous mood. It will add a unique twist to a familiar interior. But more importantly, the hero of the occasion will really like it. Where to buy glowing flowers? You can purchase an original gift in a store or order it online. It is important to look for this gift in advance, since the novelty has not yet spread.
Instructions: how to make glowing flowers yourself
How to make a glowing flower with your own hands? An interesting bouquet can be purchased in the store. However, it is more interesting to create a fairy tale yourself. Moreover, you do not need to have special skills and abilities. For a pleasant process, you need flowers, gel or paint, brushes, as well as imagination and a good mood. You can start working!
Processing buds with paint
For the creative process you will need paint, a brush or a spray bottle (it all depends on the desired pattern). As soon as the materials are prepared, you can begin to create a masterpiece that is unlike the rest. It is important to follow simple rules to ensure everything works out perfectly:
- before starting coloring, mix the paint thoroughly, as the pigment settles to the bottom of the jar over time;
- Using a brush, paint is carefully applied to the bud in the desired sequence;
- You can apply dots, stripes, patterns, letters to the petals, or even paint the entire flower. It all depends on your imagination, the main thing is not to be afraid to create.
Glowing flower paint is great for cut and live plants, and can also be applied to any souvenirs. It has a light and permeable texture that allows the bud to breathe. The substance is odorless and absolutely safe. Upon completion of application, you need to wait 2 minutes so that it is absorbed into the petal and dries thoroughly.
The paint is recharged from a daylight or artificial light source. Therefore, fabulous beauty will delight all the time the flower is alive.
Secret! To achieve brighter shades, florists recommend applying white paint (base) immediately, and then using colored paint.
Application of glow gel
Glowing biogel for flowers has a denser and more voluminous texture than paint. When applied to a petal, it is absolutely invisible, so you don’t have to worry that the bud will look rough and sloppy. The substance is odorless, and its composition will not harm humans or animals. The gel effectively retains moisture in the plant, preventing it from evaporating, which prolongs the life of the plant.
Making glowing flowers is a lot of fun. Applying the gel to the petals is quite simple:
- choose a flower or make a composition;
- With a slight movement of the brush, apply the gel in the desired order;
- wait a few seconds for the substance to dry.
Using gel, unique, simple patterns are drawn on the petals, letters are written, or chaotic elements are placed. Due to its unique texture, it is applied only with a brush. Then you need to wait about 30 seconds for the glowing gel to dry completely. Florists note that the flower looks great if the substance is placed inside the bud. The beautiful glow in the dark makes you believe in a fairy tale.
Secret! To create a holistic composition, florists recommend using additional green branches, beads, a net or a basket.
Consumption and average cost of paint and bio-gel
Glowing paint for flowers is produced in jars of different sizes. Starting from 50 ml and ending with a whole liter. Therefore, the cost ranges from 400–5500 rubles, respectively. You can purchase a set that contains all the shades at the same time. The color palette of the substance is very rich, you can even get confused in its diversity. Paint consumption is minimal. On average, only 1 g is used per bud, but it all depends on the desired pattern.
The gel for creating luminous flowers is made from high-quality substances. It is produced in cans of different sizes. You can purchase a minimum quantity of 50 g, the starting price starts from 500 rubles. If large volumes are needed, then it is proposed to buy biogel in a liter container for 3,000 rubles. The gel is used quite sparingly; a small jar is enough to decorate up to 80 buds. However, this calculation is approximate, since everything depends on the chosen design.
3 simple ways to sell luminous flowers
Don’t think that living luminous flowers are not interesting to anyone. This is a fashionable and modern novelty on the flower market. She is now in great demand and interesting to people. Setting up sales of a fabulous product is quite simple:
- fresh ideas are always interesting to people who are professionally involved in decorating and holding holidays;
- create a page on Instagram, Facebook or VK, where there will be photos of glowing flowers. There is no doubt that orders will definitely arrive;
- ready-made compositions can be offered to the nearest flower shops.
Obviously, glow-in-the-dark flowers are the start of a great business. Once you try to understand how the system works, then it is simply impossible to stop.
A new idea for an outdated business - glowing flowers
The cost of paint or bio-gel is quite affordable. However, those who sell flowers professionally will benefit the most. A new find allows you to decorate and modernize your business, bringing in good income.
This technique can also be considered by those who are just starting out in the flower business. The new product will immediately attract many customers. Moreover, affordable prices for luminous materials allow you to take a step forward and break into a new business with modern innovations. Moreover, now luminous bouquets have just begun to appear on the shelves.
Flowers that glow at night are a promising future in modern floristry. The idea of creating a business is more than 100% profitable. However, financial investment and hard work are required initially. Now is the time to decide on a new step; the result will not take long to arrive!
Fans of James Cameron's Avatar have long dreamed of bringing at least a piece of the glowing jungle of Pandora into their home. Finally, we can rejoice: five years after the release of the blockbuster, biohackers have finally invented a living plant that literally turns into a night light when darkness falls. No magic - just science and great desire!First prototypes
The first "conditionally luminous" plants were obtained by Stephen Howell's group in 1986. Genetically altered carrots and tobacco contained only luciferase itself (the enzyme that stimulates luminescence), but they lacked luciferin (the luminous pigment itself). The problem was that to produce luciferase, it is enough to insert only one gene into DNA, but to produce luciferin, many different genes are required to assemble it “piece by piece.”
As a result, the resulting plants did not emit light on their own; they had to be sprayed with luciferin or added to the soil. This, by the way, can be seen in the photographs that later became the symbol of the Glowing Plant project. The roots and vessels of tobacco glow most strongly on them, but not because luciferase works better there, but because the substrate moves through them from the soil.
The first plant capable of glowing on its own was obtained much later - only in 2010. Alexander Krichevsky and his colleagues from the universities of New York and Israel worked on it. In order to force tobacco to produce its own luciferin, scientists used a block of genes from the luminescent bacteria Photobacterium leiognathi. In this case, the genes were inserted into the genome of chloroplasts so that they could not spread with pollen.
However, the transgenic tobacco glowed very faintly - its light was barely visible in very long exposure photographs. This is because genes do not always work efficiently when transferred from one organism to another. However, this did not prevent the author of the project from registering the corresponding patent. Moreover, such a genetic system was quite suitable for the scientific study of plants.
Step forward
In general, don’t feed scientists bread - let them stitch the luciferase sequence to any interesting genes, so that you can monitor how their activation is accompanied by luminescence. After all, unlike conventional dye, it allows you to completely get rid of extraneous “noise”.
The very idea that such working tools can be used for something completely unrelated to research came from a group of students from the University of Cambridge. In 2010, nine bright minds decided to develop a genetic system that would allow them to create brightly glowing “decorative” organisms.
Students supplemented the enzymes for luciferin synthesis with an enzyme for its regeneration (thus solving Krichevsky's problem), optimized the genes of the Japanese firefly Luciola cruciata for expression in E. coli, and made several other improvements. As a result, they obtained a strain of bacteria, a flask with which can, for example, be used instead of a lamp - such E. coli provide enough light to read a book.
It glows!
The emergence of real luminous greenery, accessible even to people from a non-scientific environment, became possible thanks to a meeting between Israeli biologist Omri Amirav-Drory, entrepreneur Anthony Evans and plant geneticist Kyle Taylor. Based in San Francisco, the project was conceived as a public demonstration of the power of synthetic biology to modify and rewrite genes and use DNA molecules created in laboratories. He also supports the DIY biology movement, which seeks to make biotechnology more accessible to the public.
As an object of “highlighting”, scientists chose the favorite model plant of geneticists - the inconspicuous Arabidopsis thaliana. The reason for such “tenderness” towards cabbage’s wild relative is simple: it has a very short and already completely deciphered genome. That's why this plant even traveled to space aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 station, and NASA plans to grow it on the Moon in the next decade. At the next stage, biologists promise to make the rose glow (although today there is already an easier and faster way - just cover the flowers with a special bio-gel).
Scientists did not have to count on government or even private support for such a project, so it was decided to turn to crowdfunding on the Kikstarter website. The planned budget was 65 thousand dollars, but the luminous plants aroused such interest that the amount of funds raised exceeded 400 thousand dollars. For those who donated $40 for funding, the team promised to send seeds of the future plant for self-cultivation, and $150 for the plant itself.
Greens' doubts
At first, the green press reacted favorably to such a fantastic idea. After all, with the help of luminous trees it would be possible to illuminate city streets and highways, thereby saving a lot of electricity and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, Avatar-themed plants could become very popular in futuristic interiors, landscaping and building architecture. But when the dream began to turn into reality, the enthusiasm of environmentalists began to wane.
Some experts and analysts fear that the spread of these plants could set a precedent for the uncontrolled release of synthetic GMO organisms into the natural balance. After all, no control over the spread of the “living light bulb” is implied: Enthusiasts who invest in the project will be able to freely grow luminous plants, collect their seeds, and even (possibly) obtain new luminous hybrids. However, the US government does not have the authority to control the creation of such organisms, since they are not intended for human or animal consumption.
