Green breakthrough: Mouse eyes photosynthesize in extraordinary experiment that could transform eye care |

Scientists have achieved a remarkable achievement by enabling the eyes of mice to carry out part of the photosynthesis process using specially designed eye drops extracted from spinach leaves. The experimental treatment was developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore to combat dry eye syndrome, a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Rather than turning the eye into a miniature plant, the treatment uses the mechanism of photosynthesis to produce antioxidant molecules that help reduce inflammation and tissue damage. The findings, published in the journal Cell, suggest that plant-inspired biotechnology may one day provide a new way to treat eye diseases using only ordinary ambient light.

How scientists make mouse eyes work photosynthesis

The team extracted structures called thylakoid granas from chloroplasts found in spinach leaves. These structures contain chlorophyll, which is responsible for the light-dependent reactions of plant photosynthesis.The scientists then encapsulated the thylakoid granules into microscopic particles, creating a system called the Light-Reactive Enrichment of Thylakoid NADPH-Foundry (LEAF). When administered as eye drops, the system is able to absorb light and trigger a reaction similar to the early stages of photosynthesis.Importantly, this treatment did not allow the mice to produce sugar like plants. Instead, it produces beneficial molecules that can help protect the eyes from damage.

How this trial targets dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome affects the tear film that covers the surface of the eye. This condition can cause discomfort, irritation, blurred vision, and inflammation. In severe cases, it can damage the cornea and affect the overall health of the eye.Researchers are focusing on this disease because it is closely linked to oxidative stress, a process in which harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species accumulate and damage tissue.The LEAF system is designed to generate NADPH, a molecule naturally produced during photosynthesis. NADPH acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping cells neutralize harmful compounds and reduce inflammation.

research findings

To test this treatment, the researchers induced dry eye disease in mice before giving them experimental eye drops. After five days, mice treated with LEAF showed significantly better tear production and less corneal damage than mice treated with saline solution alone.The treatment also reduced inflammatory markers in the eyes. The researchers say these improvements are comparable to those achieved with existing commercially available drugs used to treat dry eye disease.These results suggest that plant-derived photosynthetic systems successfully help combat the biological processes that cause this condition.

Borrow nature’s tricks

Although photosynthesis is usually associated with plants, a few animal species have evolved unusual relationships with photosynthetic organisms. For example, some sea slugs can retain chloroplasts from the algae they consume and use them for limited photosynthetic activity.Inspired by these natural examples, the researchers explored whether the building blocks of photosynthesis could be adapted to mammalian tissues. Their goal is not to get animals to photosynthesize, but to harness useful aspects of the process for therapeutic purposes.The success of this experiment demonstrates how biological systems found in nature can inspire innovative medical technologies.

Will my eyes turn green after treatment?

Despite containing photosynthetic machinery originally derived from spinach, the eye drops are not expected to change eye color.The researchers explain that the extremely low concentration of chlorophyll-containing substances in the solution makes the water droplets appear transparent. Therefore, treated eyes will not turn green or display any visible plant-like characteristics.The treatment works at a microscopic biochemical level rather than changing the appearance of the eye.

What happens next?

The technology is still in its early stages and has only been tested on mice. Before use in humans, researchers must conduct extensive safety assessments and clinical trials to determine whether the treatment is safe and effective.The team is currently working on future human studies. If these trials prove successful, the therapy could provide a new non-invasive treatment option for dry eye disease that relies on light-driven biological responses.While there is still much work to be done, this research gives us a glimpse into the future, where plant-inspired medicines could help address common eye conditions in entirely new ways.