"Giulia Brachi and her colleagues experimented with mechanical stress to induce light in the algae but found it difficult to control. They then turned to acidic solutions, which successfully triggered sustained glowing effects."
"The scientists encapsulated the algae in a hydrogel, allowing them to 3D-print various shapes, including a crescent moon, all emitting a strong cyan shade of blue."
"The bioluminescent algae contain luciferase, an enzyme that reacts with luciferin, leading to the production of light. This reaction is fundamental to the algae's glowing properties."
Pyrocystis lunula, a bioluminescent algae, emits blue light and has been used by scientists to create light-emitting structures. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder experimented with mechanical stress and found limited success. They discovered that exposing the algae to acidic solutions triggered sustained light production. By encapsulating the algae in hydrogel, they were able to 3D-print glowing shapes, achieving a strong cyan glow for up to 25 minutes. The algae's light production is due to the enzyme luciferase reacting with luciferin.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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