glow-in-the-dark bacterial lights could illuminate shop windows - solar led street light
The bacteria of Francis marselin may shine into the future.
One in Glowee
The up company, based in Paris, France, is developing bio-lights to illuminate storefronts and street signs.
After a successful presentation in December, Glowee launched the first product-bacteria --
A power light that glows for three days.
The company is now developing lights that shine for a month or more.
"Our goal is to change the way we produce and use light," said Sandra Rey, founder of Glowee . ".
"We want to provide a global solution to reduce the 19 power consumption used to produce lighting.
"This lamp is made of filling a small transparent shell with a gel containing bio-luminous bacteria.
Glowee uses a bacteria called alivibrio fischeri, which enables marine animals such as Hawaiian Squid to glow in blue. green light.
The gel provides nutrients that keep bacteria alive.
At first the lights only worked for a few seconds.
But by adjusting the consistency of the gel to make it more efficient to provide nutrients, the team has been able to extend its life to three days.
The light is not fresh.
But Glowee was one of the first companies to develop a commercial product that was originally sold to stores.
In France, to limit light pollution and energy consumption, retailers are not allowed to light up shop windows between one o'clock A. M. and seven o'clock A. M.
Soft glowing bacterial lights-about as bright as night lights-provide a way to bypass the ban.
Glowee also wishes to use them for other purposes, including decorative lighting, exterior of the building and street signs, as well as providing lighting where there is no power cord, such as a park.
ERDF, a big state.
The utility company that manages the French electricity network is one of the supporters of Glowee's recent crowdfunding campaign.
"Glowee is not used to replace electric lights;
It offers different possibilities, "said Rey.
But how feasible is this idea in the long run?
Edith Weide of Florida's pilesburg Marine Research and Conservation Association believes that the cost of producing and maintaining a large number of Bioluminous bacteria under suitable environmental conditions is too high for most commercial lighting needs.
In order for the bacteria to continue working for more than a few days, additional nutrients need to be added and waste removed, she said.
"It doesn't make sense if you calculate it, especially when you think about how efficient LED lighting becomes.
But Glowee was not intimidated.
Adjusted the production-
Now it has started genetic engineering for bacteria.
Lei said her team is developing a molecular switch that activates the bio-glow only at night.
This will save bacteria energy during the day and allow nutrients to last longer.
The team also plans to make the bacteria glow brighter and survive temperature fluctuations up to 20 °c.
Lei said the company will launch a one-month commercial product in 2017.
Solutions exist in nature, says Rey.
"Now that we have the tools to replicate them, we can build more sustainable processes and products.