Can you imagine an artificial plant that cleans the air while generating electricity? Seokheun “Sean” Choi can. The Binghamton University professor’s latest creation is an artificial plant powered by bacteria that does just that.
“While natural plants and commercial air purifiers are effective in many situations, our biohybrid artificial plant offers distinct advantages,” said Choi, who created the device with PhD student Maryam Rezaie. “Our system uses photosynthetic bacteria that work efficiently even under low indoor light and can achieve up to 90 percent carbon dioxide reduction — far beyond what houseplants typically offer.”
The device resembles an ornamental plant but operates like a miniature ecosystem. The bacteria inside use ambient indoor light to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, much like a real leaf. Unlike a ficus plant or fern, the artificial plant never needs watering, pruning or pest control. It also avoids the limitations of most electric air purifiers, which require a constant power source and typically target only dust and particulates, not carbon dioxide.
“Conventional air purifiers rely on filters, fans and continuous electricity,” Choi said. “Our system requires no external power, no filters to replace and very minimal maintenance.”
On top of not requiring power, the bacteria inside the plant produce a small amount of electricity. The photosynthetic bacteria naturally release a small electric charge while converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, which is captured by the plant and directed to a circuit, producing a steady trickle of electricity.
The bacteria function much like solar panels, not storing energy but harvesting it continuously. As long as the bacteria have nutrients — in this case, carbon dioxide — they can generate electricity. It’s a concept known as a biobattery.
“In its current form, the system produces small amounts of power, which we’ve already demonstrated can support low-power applications, such as environmental sensors or small electronics,” Choi said.
With some improvement, Choi said he believes the generated power could be increased significantly to enable practical uses like charging mobile devices or powering the small sensors commonly used to detect changes in an environment and collect data. That would require the plant to produce at least 1 milliwatt of electricity.
The artificial plant is still a prototype, but it has wide-ranging potential. As concerns about indoor air quality and energy efficiency grow, it can address both in one compact, low-maintenance device. Choi said he envisions them cleaning the air in smart homes, schools, and public buildings as well as in off-grid cabins, disaster-relief shelters and even spacecraft.
If adopted at scale, the technology could change how people think about clean air and sustainable energy, Choi said. By eliminating the need for filters, constant electrical connection, and regular plant care, these artificial plants could reduce costs, lower building carbon footprints, and improve indoor air quality with minimal effort.
Future versions of such systems could also help reduce dependence on centralized energy grids, he said. From rural communities to densely populated urban areas, they could provide a steady source of clean air and supplemental power without the need for extensive infrastructure.
“This kind of integration introduces a new paradigm: living, self-powered environmental systems that are passive, maintenance-free and scalable,” Choi said. “Such systems could reduce dependence on conventional air purifiers and grid electricity, contributing to better air quality, lower carbon footprints and improved public health — without sacrificing convenience or aesthetics.”
Choi is seeking funding to move this project, and others that use similar concepts, beyond the lab. His past work was supported by the federal government, but that financial backing has decreased.
“With proper funding, we could quickly advance the technology from lab-scale prototypes to practical, deployable systems for use in homes, schools and offices,” Choi said. “Given the progress we’ve already made, I believe commercial-scale production could begin in the near future with the right support.”
