Scientists hope man-made photosynthesis aids food, energy production

Scientists from the UK and US are working to engineer or enhance photosynthesis to benefit food and fuel production.

This latest research, funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), could see us one step closer to bottling the sun's energy or turbocharging plants to produce bumper crops.

"We are facing global challenges in food and energy security that must be addressed. Improving photosynthesis within plants, or externally using synthetic biology, would bring huge benefits," said Professor Douglas Kell, Chief Executive of BBRSC.

One example of the kind of research taking place is what Professor Richard Cogdell from the University of Glasgow is trying to do. He is taking a synthetic biology approach in a bid to create an artificial 'leaf' capable of converting the sun's energy to liquid fuel.

"The sun gives its energy away for free but making use of it is tricky. We can use solar panels to make electricity but it's intermittent and difficult to store. What we are trying to do is take the energy from the sun and trap it so that it can be used when it is needed most," he said.

"We are working to devise an analogous robust chemical system that could replicate photosynthesis artificially on a grand scale. This artificial leaf would create solar collectors that produce a fuel, as opposed to electricity," he added.

The artificial system could also improve on natural photosynthesis to make better use of the sun's energy. By stripping back photosynthesis to a level of basic reactions, much higher levels of energy conversion could be possible.

Ultimately, success in this research could allow the development of a sustainable carbon neutral economy arresting the increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere from fossil fuel burning.

The research was presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting.