‘Bionic mushrooms’ that generate electricity created by scientists

Nov 09, 2018

Researchers say creation of 'bio-hybrids' from fungi and bacteria could be used to power devices

A regular shop-bought mushroom has been turned into an electricity generator in a process scientists hope will one day be used to power devices.

The “bionic mushroom” was covered with bacteria capable of producing electricity and strands of graphene that collected the current.

Shining a light on the structure activated the bacteria’s ability to photosynthesise, and as the cells harvested this glow they generated a small amount of electricity known as a “photocurrent”.

The fungi supported this process by providing the bacteria with viable surface on which to grow as well as nutrients to stay alive.

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Source: Independent - Josh Gabbatiss, Science Correspondent @josh_gabbatiss