The new experiment has showcase the ability of chloroplasts, essential for photosynthesis in plants, to function inside animal cells. Red algal chloroplasts were introduce into cells derive from Chinese hamster ovaries (Cricetulus griseus), where they remain active for 48 hours, converting light into energy.
This achievement represents a step forward in efforts to recreate the symbiotic processes seen in nature, offering potential applications in scientific engineering.
This project aims to harness photosynthesis in non-plant organisms for diverse purposes.
As per the study, the research was led by Sachihiro Matsunaga, a biologist at the University of Tokyo.
His team select resilient chloroplasts from red algae capable of thriving in extreme conditions, such as volcanic hot springs.
These organelles were isolate using a centrifuge and a control process that avoid direct damage to animal cells.
Instead of piercing cell membranes, the technique involve modifying the culture medium to prompt animal cells to engulf the chloroplasts naturally.
A Scientific American report confirm that the transplant chloroplasts demonstrate electron transport, a vital component of photosynthesis for two days before disintegrating.
Previous attempts had only succeed in maintaining chloroplast function for a few hours.
But, challenges persist, as chloroplasts require proteins that animal cells cannot naturally produce.
Werner Kühlbrandt, a structural biologist at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, highlight the absence of genes need for protein synthesis and transport, which accelerates chloroplast degradation.
Plans to incorporate photosynthesis-maintaining genes into animal cells are underway, as said by Sachihiro Matsunaga.
This research aims to create photosynthesizing materials for applications such as carbon dioxide capture or oxygen-rich organoid growth.
Jef D. Boeke, a cell biologist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, believe these advancements may pave the way for innovative uses in biotechnology.
Solar-power humans, but, remain speculative, requiring vastly more surface area than human bodies can provide.
