Researchers develop a new houseplant that can clean home air (2018)

The modified plants express a protein, called 2E1, that transforms these compounds into molecules that the plants can then use to support their own growth. “People haven’t really been talking about these hazardous organic compounds in homes, and I think that’s because we couldn’t do anything about them,” said senior author Stuart Strand, who is a research professor in the UW’s civil and environmental engineering department. The researchers then tested how well their modified plants could remove the pollutants from air compared to normal pothos ivy. Plants in the home would also need to be inside an enclosure with something to move air past their leaves, like a fan, Strand said. The team is currently working to increase the plants’ capabilities by adding a protein that can break down another hazardous molecule found in home air: formaldehyde, which is present in some wood products, such as laminate flooring and cabinets, and tobacco smoke.

Source: www.washington.edu