Here is the artificial silk leaf that produces oxygen. Is called Silk Leaf And it is an biological artificial leaf, created by the Italian engineer Julian Melchiorri, who, through laboratory experiments, has managed to reproduce the photosynthesis process and studied its possible applications.
The artificial biological leaf
The result was the prototype of this leaf, which introduces the potential of photosynthetic materials in daily life. Made with a biomaterial based on silk protein and stabilized chloroplasts, Silk Leaf It is able to carry out photosynthesis: it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen and organic compounds.
The efficiency of the oxygen generation can be optimized by varying the composition of the material and the concentration of active chloroplasts. Recent studies show that nanotechnological interventions on chloroplasts can increase its photosynthetic efficiency up to 49%, opening the path to future improvements through genetic modification.
Photosynthesis, the key process of life on earth, allows organisms to transform water and CO₂ into sugars and oxygen thanks to light. Artificial leaves may apply wherever it is necessary to absorb carbon dioxide or produce oxygen, with minimal energy consumption and great modularity. Possible uses include ventilation systems, interior design surfaces, integration with lighting and even space missions.
Silk Leaf and its potential in space exploration
Oxygen is one of the fundamental elements in spatial shipments to guarantee the survival of astronauts. In a space environment, such as on board a shuttle or space station, oxygen is essential for maintaining breathing and preventing damage to the health of astronauts. Silk Leaf It lends itself to countless applications in space: alongside the O₂ cylinders, space stations could rely on these artificial leaves, guaranteeing a continuous intake of oxygen without the need for large infrastructures.
Applications in the territory and future of the project
Not only that. This prototype, in the future, could also find applications in the urban and domestic environment, creating solutions that improve the quality of life and, at the same time, promote a more sustainable development both from a social and environmental point of view. Silk Leaf It could be applied to air purification systems in cities with high levels of pollution.
This prototype can also be used for improving the energy efficiency of buildings through the integration of artificial leaves in the facades to produce oxygen in a sustainable way. Finally, a further application could be in closed environments, such as submarines and shelters in areas with hostile atmospheres.
