A Chinese biotech company, Magicpen Bio, has successfully developed more than 20 species of bioluminescent plants using genetic engineering. By inserting genes from fireflies, bioluminescent fungi, and marine organisms into plant genomes with CRISPR-Cas9, these plants emit a continuous, natural glow without external power. The innovation promises to reduce electricity consumption from public lighting, which accounts for about 20% of global electricity use, while also lowering infrastructure costs and enhancing urban aesthetics.

These plants are cultivated in controlled environments to ensure safety and stability before potential citywide deployment. They require only water and nutrients, making them scalable for parks, streets, and public spaces. Researchers are working to improve light intensity and longevity, as current versions emit only a soft glow and may degrade over time.

Applications extend beyond urban lighting to tourism, environmental conservation, and commercial branding. However, regulatory hurdles around GMOs, ecological risks, and technical challenges in maintaining steady luminescence remain. Scientists are exploring multi-gene systems and synthetic biology to enhance brightness and customize light colors, aiming to integrate these living lights into future smart cities.