The genetically engineered plants produce a neon green hue, thanks to the addition of DNA from a type of bioluminescent mushroom called Neonothopanus nambi. “We’re using a natural system taken from a fungus that is usually found in tropical forests and transferring it to plants,” [Light Bio co-founder Karen] Sarkisyan says. During the day, N. nambi is an unremarkable brown color. At night, it glows a ghostly green.
There are about 1,500 known bioluminescent species, including bacteria, fish, jellyfish, worms, amphibians, arthropods, and mushrooms. Bioluminescence is produced naturally when oxygen reacts with a substance called luciferin, with the help of an enzyme called luciferase, to produce energy in the form of light.
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[Co-founder Keith] Wood says Light Bio is ramping up commercial production, and customers can now sign up to reserve a plant. More than 10,000 people are already on the waiting list. Wood says the company initially plans to sell the plants online in a limited release next spring before expanding to nurseries and gardening centers. Wood and Sarkisyan want to make more types of ornamental plants, and they are working on making them even brighter.
