Hybrid Electronics based on Photosynthetic Organisms

Project Information

HyPhOE

Grant agreement ID: 800926

DOI

10.3030/800926

Project closed

EC signature date 3 May 2018

Start date 1 September 2018

End date 31 October 2021

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)

Total cost

€ 3 311 110,00

EU contribution

€ 3 311 110,00

Coordinated by

LINKOPINGS UNIVERSITET
Sweden

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HyPhOE (Hybrid Electronics based on Photosynthetic Organisms)

Reporting period: 2019-09-01 to 2021-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The long-term vision of HyPhOE is to establish a revolutionary symbiosis between photosynthetic organisms and technology, and to rethink and re-establish the concept of green technology. Photosynthetic organisms are intelligent, with unique functions and capabilities, being able to harvest solar energy, synthesize food, and sequester pollutants. By merging the unique characteristics of photosynthetic organisms with smart materials and devices we aim to develop bio-hybrid systems for applications in energy, plant adaptation/control, and environmental monitoring. As the boundary between technology and nature is fading, nature is being used as part of the technology and technology is enhancing nature. The bio-hybrid technology will be integrated in urban settings, agriculture, and forestry – transforming and elevating our interaction with green organisms tapping into the energy and biochemical cycles of the ecosystem.
The ultimate goal of HyPhOE is to develop advanced bio-hybrid systems based on photosynthetic organisms and smart materials and devices. Our strategy relies on developing a set of tools and methods for bi-directional electronic and chemical interfacing with photosynthetic organisms that will comprise the backbone of the project and pave the way for the targeted applications: i. Energy systems based on electronically-functionalized plants and photosynthetic organisms. ii. Plant physiological control using bioelectronics systems. iii. Environmental monitoring using functionalized plants.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The core objectives of HyPhOE are:

Objective 1: Development of a set of tools and methods for interfacing with photosynthetic organisms and developing electronically-functionalized, integrated bio-hybrid systems. The tools will be based on design and synthesis of smart materials, in vivo chemical and electrical coupling with plants, and direct chemical modification of simpler photosynthetic organisms.

Objective 2: Development of energy systems based on electronically-functionalized plants and photosynthetic organisms.

Objective 3: Plant physiological control using bioelectronics systems.

Objective 4: Environmental monitoring using functionalized plants.

Below a short overview of the actions made within Reporting Period 2 towards these objectives is given.

Objective 1
Smart materials for interfacing with plants and photosynthetic organisms were developed in WP1 (LIU, Bordeaux INP, UPDiderot and UNIBA). Focus was given on electronic and chemical functionalization of plants and bacteria. Within WP2 methodologies were developed for electronic functionalization of rooted plants (LIU), protocols for implanting bioelectronic devices in plants (LIU, SLU) and methods for direct electronic functionalization of bacteria (UNIBA).

Objective 2
Energy systems is one of the main targeted applications of HyPhOE’s biohybrid systems and the work is included in WP3 and WP4. WP3 targets energy harvesting while WP4 targets energy storage. LiU and UP focused on the development of a biofuel cell in plants for energy harvesting and supercapacitors in plants for energy storage. UNIBA on the other hand focused on energy harvesting form photosynthetic centres and bacteria and energy storage via materials production in algae.

Objective 3
This objective is related to WP5. LiU and SLU demonstrated the control of plants transpiration via a bioelectronic device. The capillary based ion pump enables controlled ABA delivery that results in reduction of plants transpiration and hence limiting water loss. Furthermore, LiU and Bordeaux INP performed studies for electronic release of nutrients.

Objective 4
This objective is closely related to WP6.
Environmental monitoring with functionalized plants has not been achieved however a lot of work was done towards this objective. Bordeaux INP developed polymer nanoparticles that can capture CO2 and whose fluorescent properties change with CO2 concentration. LiU developed methodology for introducing the materials in plants and characterizing their ability to capture and transfer CO2 both in in-vitro and in-vivo studies.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

HyPhOE project resulted in achievements beyond the state of the art.

Electronic functionalization of plants and photosynthetic bacteria. The electronic materials self-organize or polymerize along the tissue enabling handle for electronic interface.

Protocols for implanting bioelectronic devices in plants with minimal wound response.

Energy storage in plants with supercapacitors integrated into the plant structure while the plant continuous to grow and develop.

Energy storage in algae in the form of new materials production.

A bioelectronic device for controlled delivery of phytohormones and control of plants transpiration.

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