Researchers from Empa’s Cellulose & Wood Materials lab in St. Gallen have developed a material that combines nature’s wonder with scientific innovation: glowing wood. By merging balsa wood with the bioluminescent white rot fungus D. tabescens, the team created a biohybrid material that emits a vivid green glow.
Led by fungal researcher Francis Schwarze, the team discovered that the honey fungus was particularly adept at producing luciferin, the compound responsible for its bioluminescence. Among the types of wood tested, balsa proved to be the ideal candidate due to its low density and high absorption capabilities.
To achieve this glowing effect, the researchers soaked the wood in water for three months, achieving a moisture content between 700% and 1,200%. This was a critical factor, as moisture played a pivotal role in enabling the fungus to thrive and produce light. Once exposed to air, a chemical reaction involving caffeic acid occurred, allowing the wood to reach its peak luminosity within 10 hours. Impressively, the glow persisted for up to 10 days.
The significance of this innovation goes beyond aesthetics. As the study authors explained, “The balance between fungal species, wood type, moisture levels, and environmental conditions is key to producing bioluminescent wood.” Unlocking this process could pave the way for low-energy, sustainable lighting solutions, potentially replacing nightlights or even offering an alternative to reduce urban light pollution.
Despite the achievement, the researchers acknowledged challenges in stabilizing and enhancing the intensity and duration of the bioluminescence. Future studies will focus on refining environmental conditions, selecting optimal wood species, and developing methods to extend the glowing effect.
If perfected, this groundbreaking material could lead to innovations in sustainable design, architecture, and industry.
The research is published in Advanced Science.
