Work

Opto-chromogenesis: Projection mapping for controlling growth, photosynthesis and chromatic behavior of photosynthetically living organisms

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We present Opto-chromogenesis, a projection-mapping framework for spatiotemporal design of growth, photosynthesis and pigmentation in bioprinted photosynthetic living materials. Extrusion-printed hydrogels containing the cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon are illuminated with calibrated patterns of light that allow us to design and regulate macroscale biomass distribution and the Complementary Chromatic Acclimation of the cyanobacteria. The platform combines projector-based, spectrally tunable light delivery with 3Dscan guided geometric registration to impose defined photon irradiance on complex constructs. Experiments show that self-shading drives pigment shifts, lateral light intensity gradients produce differentiated growth, targeted UV laser exposure can suppress growth, and projection mapping provides a novel method for modulating growth and color change. By outlining projector selection criteria, analysis of lab-scale growth studies and non-invasive monitoring techniques that demonstrate parallel screening of illumination conditions, the paper establishes a basis for creating a photosynthetic architectural material that can adapt its color to changing lighting condition and capture CO 2 .

Source: Biotechnology Design

DOI: 10.1017/s2977905726100274

Authors: Shahriar Akbari, Martin Tamke, Michael Kühl, Sing Teng Chua, Mette Ramsgaard Thomsen

Institutions: Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation, University of Copenhagen

Language: English

Topic: 3D Printing in Biomedical Research

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

Funders: Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Villum Fonden, European Commission, Novo Nordisk