Bionic Plants Are A Real Thing

In a fascinating example of science fiction meets reality, researchers have begun integrating electronics into plants. While I'm sure this is an expensive and impractical venture at present, it still amazes me that this is real research people are doing somewhere in the world, and not (strictly) the premise to a science fiction novel.

This article describes a study that involved using plant physiology to suck up a gel into their xylem (like plant veins), which hardens into working wires. They also managed to stick it to a cell layer in the leaves, creating a slightly different effect. Here is a direct quote from the aricle:

Led by Eleni Stavrinidou—a bioelectronic engingeer at Linköping University in Linköping, Sweden—the scientists employed a transparent, conductive gel that cut roses could naturally soak up into their stems and leaves. After a few hours, the gel material would harden and form flexible wires inside the plants' stems. Thanks to the fantastic properties of the plant-embedded wires, electric current could even be run through the wired stems, without (as far as the scientists could tell) damaging the plants.

The result? A potential for developing super-plants. Their suggestions included energy harvesting from photosynthesis, and uses in plant optimization. My (less realistic) suggestions include plant-based computer networks with organic interfaces and cities built with trees or vines integrated among buildings.

This other article talks about a similar process of using carbon nanotubes to augment plants' light absorption. I'm sure there are many other possibilities, especially if different types of materials could be used to create different effects.

I don't know about you, but I have to use this in a novel setting at some point.