Chapter 1: The Potential of Bioengineering

Imagine a world where trees could grow efficient batteries. The advancements in biotechnology have paved the way for significant modifications in plant DNA, enabling us to enhance drought resistance or boost fruit production.

We can even create plants that glow or produce visually striking flowers. Additionally, the genetic alteration of bacteria allows for the development of medicines and the fight against diseases. Faced with plastic pollution? We can design bacteria that decompose plastics. Remarkably, we can also manipulate viruses for battery production.

Now, let’s consider the anatomy of an apple.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

The structure of an apple is straightforward: it has an outer membrane, a nucleus containing seeds, and the delicious flesh that nourishes the seeds if left uneaten. Observing a leaf from the apple tree reveals that it utilizes sunlight to synthesize the components necessary for apple production.

Next, envision a graphene battery. The optimal application of graphene in batteries is as a supercapacitor, which can store electricity like traditional batteries but charges and discharges at astonishing speeds.

Imagine cultivating a tree that produces such a battery. Carbon, the primary component of graphene, is abundant, and other necessary elements can be sourced from the earth.

Wouldn't it be remarkable to engineer a tree that thrives in soil, absorbing sunlight to generate graphene using molecular assembly mechanisms developed from engineered DNA?

We could modify the roots to gather essential materials and direct them to the assembly line. Just as the apple tree's DNA contains the instructions to grow an apple, this envisioned tree would have the genetic blueprint for constructing a graphene battery.

Although the initial investment for this research is substantial due to numerous unknown factors and challenges, we must question the wisdom of continuing to follow manufacturing methods that damage the environment. Instead, why not invest time and energy into creating these trees?

This project is certainly achievable, but it requires dedication and focus. It seems humanity has not prioritized this approach, perhaps because the rush for quick profits often overshadows environmental concerns. Startups attract millions for AI marketing tools, yet I have yet to see a venture seek funding for the type of tree I am proposing.

Moreover, when we concentrate too heavily on minutiae, we often overlook the broader implications. Watch the following video to gain a fresh perspective.

Our goal is to create one functioning prototype, and the rest will follow. To clarify, this is an original concept I intend to pursue soon, and I am NOT referring to existing technologies.

The capability for humanity to achieve this goal is now within reach, thanks in part to the genetic code of the Shewanella oneidensis bacterium.

Metal-breathing bacteria have the potential to revolutionize electronics, biosensors, and much more.