Pollution is a scourge that affects not only our cities, but also our homes. In particular, in recent years indoor air pollution has become a major health concern, and a houseplant is certainly not enough to change things.
This is because the pollutants such as fine dust that are found outside the houses are also added to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by the construction materials of the place where we live. Some of these pollutants are known to cause cancer, respiratory problems, and heart disease - essentially, they kill. And they do it to the beat of a holocaust per year.
Neoplants, produce a plant with superpowers
Neoplants is a French startup based in Paris that focuses on improving houseplants' abilities to capture pollution and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. The startup chose a high-potential plant and began genetically modifying it.
The target? Enable ways this plant, which already captures VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene, turns these compounds into a usable byproduct.
How does Neoplants work?
Neoplants modified the plant genome”pothos“, one of the most typical for apartments, to make it capable of transforming formaldehyde from the air into sucrose and transforming benzene and other compounds into proteins.
Essentially, the plant absorbs formaldehyde and benzene and produces proteins and sugars that it uses as nourishment. This growth process obviously allows it to progressively increase its capacity to capture toxic agents. A living air purifier.
Neoplants Pothos could have a significant impact on air purification, especially if used on a large scale. An example of how the correct use of genetic technologies could help improve the quality of life of people around the world.
