Synthetic leaf
“The synthetic leaf uses photosynthesis to produce oxygen, by absorbing light, water and carbon dioxide.” “The artificial leaves feature chloroplasts extracted from actual plant cells that are suspended in a material made from silk protein. So when given access to light and water they still produce oxygen, but they’re better suited to surviving off our planet”
“Plants don’t grow in zero gravity,” Melchiorri explained. “NASA is researching different ways to produce oxygen for long-distance space journeys to let us live in space. This material could allow us to explore space much further than we can now.”
“The design brings the natural efficiency of photosynthesis to a man-made material.
The graduate student also sees his leaf being used for interior design or for the ventilation system in a large building. The material would serve as a filter for the outside air, bringing oxygenated air into the structure.”
http://rt.com/usa/176860-synthetic-biological-leaf-created/