Cambridge Creative Encounter
Semi-artificial Photosynthesis
BRING TWO WORLD TOGETHER
Animation Director:
Shuna Luo
Researchers:
Rachel Egan
Mairi Eyres
Linying Shang
How can we re-wire photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is the natural process used by cyanobacteria, algae and plants to convert energy from the sun into carbohydrates (fuel). The solar-fuel conversion efficiency of this process is low because the organisms use the energy elsewhere. However, we can re-wire the photosynthetic pathway artificially to develop a system that benefits from the self-repair and reproductive capacity of a living organism as well as the efficiency conferred by synthetic tools. In our lab, we use an interdisciplinary approach including techniques such as microscopy, electrochemistry and 3D printing to better understand and manipulate photosynthesis for the development of sustainable solar-powered technologies.
Cambridge Creative Encounters
