Scientists have taken a bold cross-kingdom leap: transplanting spinach-derived photosynthetic machinery into the mammalian eye. Using purified grana stacks packaged into nano‑LEAF particles, researchers enabled mouse retinal cells to capture light and convert it into ATP and NADPH — essentially borrowing plant energy systems to support animal tissue.
Early results show reduced inflammation and improved tear-film stability, hinting at future therapies for dry-eye disease and other ocular conditions where energy deficits limit healing.
It’s a striking example of how bioengineering can merge plant resilience with mammalian physiology, opening a new frontier in light-powered medicine.
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