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Scientists have developed ‘bionic mushrooms’ that produce electricity
By: Duaa Alharbi MYP5
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An ordinary store-bought mushroom has been turned into an electricity generator. Scientists are calling the discovery ‘bionic mushrooms’. The ‘ bionic mushroom’ was covered with bacteria that is competent with generating electricity and fibres of graphene that would collect the current.
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Image of Bionic Mushroom
When shining a light on the structure, it activates the bacteria's ability to photosynthesise. The cells collected could generate a small amount of electricity known as a ‘photocurrent’. The fungi is added to this method by giving the bacteria with a surface on which to grow on.
Mushroom
A group of scientists at Stevens Institute of Technology conducted this research and discovery. The lead in the project was Professor Manu Mannoor, an engineer at Stevens Institute of Technology. He says, ”By integrating cyanobacteria that can produce electricity, with nanoscale materials capable of collecting the current, we were able to better access the unique properties of both, augment them, and create an entirely new functional bionic system." When testing out other vegetables, the bacterial cells did not last as long as they did on mushrooms.
Diagram Of Bacteria Cell
(Prokaryotic Cell)
Scientists have created a “hybrid system” which promotes the mushrooms and bacteria to collaborate in order to generate electricity. They created 3D systems containing fibres of graphene, this was then followed by a bio-ink including bacteria on the cap of the mushroom. When light is added to the experiment, bacteria started to photosynthesise and a small current of 65 nanoamps was produced.
Many believe the current produced is not enough to power anything. However, the group of scientists that led the project believe that an array of ‘bionic mushrooms’ can power something like an LED light. Professor Manoor states, “With this work, we can imagine enormous opportunities for next-generation bio-hybrid applications.”
I believe that this is a great discovery since it could lead to more change in technology.