A photo from open sources
Scientists from Linkoping University in Sweden managed to create cyborg flower by implanting elements of an electronic circuit into an ordinary a rose.
Microscopic electronic polymers to be introduced into the structure of the plant, perceived by the flower as organically as water, or any other substance. A compound created by scientists under the name “PEDOT-S” is inserted into the stem of the rose, by which it transmits an electrical signal and does not violate the natural metabolism in the plant. Using similar technology the researchers were able to make an ordinary rose a working transistor with logic gate.
Applying the latest scientific advances will help a kind cyborg flowers do a great job with frost or unforeseen drought.
Co-author of experiments and researcher of organic electronics from Linkoping University Magnus Bergren intends in the coming ten years to launch several similar plants to introduce electronic polymers in certain types of plants. Originally a team scientists led by Bergren intends to tackle the pink family, given that this species of plant has all the elements of a tree, including bark, leaves and stem. In addition, they are durable root system, resistant to various weather changes and availability.
But when conducting experiments, some plants negatively reacted to the electronic polymer and toxic compounds were removed. Seeing a similar reaction, scientists decided to use other methods introducing elements. One study suggested cut the stem of the plant and place it in a solution with organic ethylenedioxythiophene, which soon became known as “PEDOT-S”, characterized by good electrical conductivity during hydration.
After the cut stems of the rose are absorbed into the solution “PEDOT-S”, for two days on the outer layers of the plant, scientists discovered tiny “wires” of organic polymer.
“Seeing such a miracle, I immediately realized that it would help us introduce electronic circuits into plants and will be a great way for the extraction of “green energy” from the flowers, “Magnus said Bergren.
“If we can combine the conductive elements with appropriate sensors, we can monitor physiological changes in the plant and study their behavior, “stressed Magnus.
To date, scientists have created about 20 centimeters electrical networks and used several methods for their implementation for various types of plants.
The unique invention of Swedish scientists will be able to one fine day to turn dead flowers into blooming even if the street is frost and snow. It will also help plants cope with sharp weather changes and improve their performance.
In order to change the flower’s water needs, the process flowering or resistance to abnormal temperatures, scientists genetic engineering must be involved. Naturally, this is quite safe method, but in some cases it can lead to irreparable consequences.
The fact is that a change in some physiological features plants, such as flowering, for example, can affect ecosystem if artificial polymer spreads naturally in the surrounding nature.
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