In agriculture, scientists could use their knowledge of photosynthesis to adapt plants for specific purposes, Gust explains. For example, crops could be tailored to resist herbicides or to grow more efficiently. The world of medicine offers another opportunity to apply the group's basic research. The ASU team is collaborating with the Arizona Disease Control Commission and a major drug manufacturer. Artificial photosynthesis research also influences the emerging field of molecular electronics, Gust continues.
Scientists hope to start at the molecular level and build circuits atom by atom.
If the approach proves possible, Gusts says the result would be smaller, faster circuits that use less power. The idea may be years from reality, but the ASU team has begun preliminary research in molecular electronics.