Bioluminescence is light emission by living organisms, which include bacteria, glow-worms, fireflies, and 80%+ of marine organisms.
Bioluminescent bacteria are being explored as a source of non-electrical lighting. Bioluminescence is a property of certain bacteria expressed most commonly in bacteria inhabiting sea creatures although freshwater and terrestrial examples exist. Designers are investigating the possibilities for their use in lighting products.
Uses
Only speculative / demonstration projects known of so far.
Potential Uses
Designers have been trialing lighting products using biolumiscent bacteria however challenges persist of low luminosity and the design of bacteria friendly environments. Suggested potential uses are for low level lighting such as road strip lighting and parking lots or where space constraints are less of an issue such as street lighting. There may be a range of domestic / commercial / external uses where low level lighting is needed which is natural / sustainable, has relaxing and soothing properties and may reduce light pollution.
Processes
There have been several examples of lighting products using different bacteria, each with their unique food source and habitat. For instance, Phillips designed a microbial home in which they exhibited bacterial lights fed by methane from human fecal and kitchen waste.
Another example is a pendulum light containing bacteria found on octopus tentacles which lights up when fed with oxygen and in motion. The light was designed using weights to create the pendulum effect when swung, lasting approximately 20 minutes. The lights contained synthetic sea water for the bacteria to live in.
More Information
- https://www.glowee.eu/ – French biotech company engineering micro-organisms to make them more efficient in terms of light production (intensity, stability, capacity).
- “Bioluminescent bacteria”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioluminescent_bacteria. Retrieved 28 June, 2017.
- “Philips biolight concept taps bioluminescence for home use”. New Atlas. http://newatlas.com/philips-bio-light-concept-taps-bioluminescence-for-home-use/20632/. Retrieved 28 June, 2017.
- “A light whose light comes from bioluminescent bacteria” (January 13, 2015). Wired. https://www.wired.com/2015/01/lamp-whose-light-comes-bioluminescent-bacteria/. Retrieved 28 June, 2017.