Photosynthesis involves plants converting carbon dioxide and water into organic nutrients using light energy and chlorophyll, and it is of great importance to living things. Now researchers from the University of California and Delaware in the US have conducted a very important study on this process.

Publishing their research on Nature Food on June 23, scientists announced that they have found a way to eliminate the need for biological photosynthesis and to create food that is independent of sunlight using artificial photosynthesis. The study authors stated that ““With our approach, we sought to find new ways to produce food that could exceed the limits normally imposed by biological photosynthesis.” used the sentences.

Food can be grown in the dark with artificial photosynthesis

According to the statements, experts say carbon dioxide, electricity and water are the main components of vinegar. acetate He used a process called electrocatalysis to convert it. Food-producing organisms also consumed acetate to grow in the dark. The researchers state that electrocatalyzed power is supplied by solar panels and that this system converts sunlight into food. significantly to its efficiency declared to increase.

To ensure that all components of the system, the output of the electrolysis growth support It was noted that it is optimized for: ‘What is an electrolyser?’ If you ask, these devices are called devices that use electricity to convert raw materials like carbon dioxide into molecules and various products. In addition, it was found that the amount of salt used in the study was decreased and the acid was increased; Thus, it is said that the highest acetate ever obtained in an electrolyzer has been achieved.

Experiments have shown that many different food-producing organisms can be grown in the dark. It was also stated that production with this technology is much more energy efficient. Elizabeth Hann, one of the researchers, said:Organisms that produce food without any contribution from biological photosynthesis We gathered. Compared to food production based on biological photosynthesis, this technology is a more efficient method of converting solar energy into food.” he said.

Can be used for farming on Mars

Experts say this technology could also be used to grow things like tomatoes, tobacco, rice and peas. wide range of products said it was possible. Experts say that this method, which will increase the efficiency of food production, will reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment. Also this technology to Mars It is stated that it can be used for agriculture in space missions such as the planned missions and that it can greatly contribute to the nutrition of the crews.

Martha Orozco-Cardenas, co-author of the study, says:One day in the dark and on Mars to grow tomatoes Think huge ships. That would be very beneficial for the people who will be on that planet in the future.”