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04 Material Research

Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is the emission of light by living organisms through different biochemical reactions. The word bioluminescence comes from bios (life) and lumen (light). Some organisms, such as insects, use it as an effective means to ensure mating, while others use it as a defense mechanism against predators.

Environment and luminescence properties:

While there are species that exhibit higher levels of bioluminescence, I chose to focus my initial research on two specific types of bioluminescent fungi. This decision was driven by the ready availability of these organisms in Spain. Consequently, I began experimenting with liquid cultures grown on agar and in a substrate.

Bioluminescent fungi, commonly known as glowing fungi, emit a green light and thrive on decaying organic matter such as dead bamboo, tree trunks, and leaves. Their nighttime glow, which can persist for days in living cultures and fruiting bodies, is best observed in dark, natural settings. Despite their global distribution across diverse terrestrial environments, the mechanisms driving their bioluminescence remain largely unknown. The process generally involves the chemical oxidation of luciferin, catalyzed by luciferase in the presence of oxygen, resulting in a high-energy intermediate that decomposes and releases energy as light from excited singlet oxyluciferin. One proposed function of this bioluminescence is to attract insects for spore dispersal, a theory supported by observations of beetles interacting with fruiting bodies.

Reference: Fungal Bioluminescence: Past, Present, and Future

Mycena Mycena: Biodiversidad de P.R. AGustin Stahl, Flora, Hongos Seria De Historia Natural - USDA

Panellus stipticus and Mycena are found in tropical and humid areas. Both attract insects to spread spores and serve as a defense against predators. Both need organic matter, such as moist wood, to grow. The difference between them is that Panellus emits bioluminescence in its stem and roots, and the light intensity is lower than that of Mycena.

GlowingDEMycena Liquid Pure Culture

GlowingDEMycena Agar Pure Culture

GlowingDE Panellus Panellus stipticus

Bioluminescent Fungi: Panellus stipticus

The two fungi I began cultivating as part of this research are Panellus stipticus and Mycena chlorophos, both of which are bioluminescent and require similar environments for growth (tropical and humid areas). Mycena emits a constant and more intense light than Panellus and currently grows in the forests of Puerto Rico.

  • Fungal taxonomy: Panellus stipticus
  • Glowing Part: Mycelium, Fruiting Bodies & Cap
  • Africa, Australasia, China, Europa, Japan, USA and South America.

    Registering existence in Puerto Rico (non-native).

  • Growing process: 8 weeks
  • PH: 4.0
  • Temperature: 20℃ - 30 ℃
  • CO2: during the fruiting phase, levels should not exceed 1,000 ppm
  • Bioluminescence: Constant light, 5-10 minutes after exposure to darkness.

Other Bioluminescent Fungi in Puerto Rico

  1. Fungal taxonomy: Mycena luxperpetua

    • Glowing Part: Mycelium, Fruiting Bodies, Cap & Stipe
    • Distribution: Puerto Rico

  2. Fungal taxonomy: Mycena aspratilis

    • Glowing Part: Fruiting Bodies Stipe
    • Distribution: Puerto Rico & Barazil

Mycena and CO2 Transforming material

I will begin culturing Mycena on agar on the 29th or 30th of January, as that's when I'm expecting to receive the pure culture. My goal is to cultivate both fungi and determine which is the best option for low-intensity lighting, how fast they grow, and test their bioluminescence capability outdoors. I will use a monitoring sensor for this. This week, I'm researching other fungi that can capture CO2 and serve as a 3D printing material for the outer skin. To test this, I will conduct a 3D printing test and add wood chips to the mixture.

Simultaneously, I will be 3D printing the skin using Purifier filament, which also helps purify the environment by transforming CO2, NOx, and volatile organic compounds and converting them into harmless mineral residues through gas mineralization. The idea is to create small scale prototypes that allow me to place the culture inside, document the changes in the living material, and collect data from the monitoring sensor.

Purifier

Design Considerations

To keep our culture alive, it is important to think about a design that allows the entry of indirect light, oxygen, and humidity control. This leads me to think about materials such as glass, ceramic, and a structure that allows CO2 capture to maintain bioluminescence.

Referernces

Mentoring notes

Ana Correa: Explain why you are interested in working with bioluminescence and natural materials with an impact on the ecosystem/environment. Include data on how bioluminescence positively contributes to the environment. Elaborate on the proposal to create low-intensity luminous objects in coexistence with humans. Your project can serve as a luminous object for interior spaces and mixed housing. Low-intensity lights help reduce natural electrical energy consumption and help the natural ecosystem.

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