Photosynthesis means that plants convert carbon dioxide and water into organic nutrients with the help of light and chlorophyll, and it is of great value for living things. Now researchers from the University of California and Delaware in the USA have done some valuable work on this process.
Publishing their research on Nature Food on June 23, scientists announced that they have found a way to eliminate the need for biological photosynthesis and create food independent of sunlight using artificial photosynthesis. “With our approach, we sought to identify new ways of producing food that could overcome the limits normally imposed by biological photosynthesis,” the study authors said.
Food can be grown in the dark with artificial photosynthesis
According to the statements, experts used a process called electrocatalytic to convert carbon dioxide, electricity and water into acetate, the main component of vinegar. Food-producing organisms also consumed acetate to grow in the dark. Stating that solar panels provide electrocatalyzed power, the researchers stated that this system significantly increases the efficiency of the conversion of sunlight into food.
It has been noted that the output of the electrolyzer is optimized to support the growth of nutrient-producing organisms and to provide all components of the system. ‘What is an electrolyzer?’ If you ask, these devices are called devices that use electricity to convert raw materials such as carbon dioxide into molecules and different artifacts. In addition, it was found that the amount of salt used in the study was decreased and the amine increased; Thus, it is stated that the highest acetate ever obtained in an electrolyzer has been achieved.
Experiments have shown that many different food-producing organisms can be grown in the dark. It was also stated that the production with this technology is much more efficient in terms of power. Elizabeth Hann, one of the researchers, said: “We have grown organisms that produce food without any random contribution from biological photosynthesis. “This technology is a more efficient method of converting solar power into food, compared to food production based on biological photosynthesis.”
Can be used for agriculture on Mars
Stating that this technology can also be used in growing things such as tomatoes, tobacco, rice, and peas, experts said that the product range could be wide. Experts say that this method, which will increase the efficiency of food production, will reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment. In addition, it is stated that this technology can be used for agriculture in space missions such as those planned for Mars and can contribute greatly to the nutrition of the crews.
Martha Orozco-Cardenas, the co-author of the study, said: “Imagine giant ships that could one day grow tomatoes in the dark and on Mars. That would be very beneficial for the people who will be on that planet in the future.”