Biophotovoltaic (BPV) devices generate renewable energy and other useful by-products from the photosynthesis of living organisms such as algae and moss. The Moss Table suggests a future in which hybrid natural/artificial objects are utilised in the home. The design of the table was kept deliberately simple so as not to draw attention away from the moss and the technology. The silhouette of the Moss Table echoes that of a simple table and lamp, whilst the soft curves and neutral colour help to focus attention on the beautiful moss. Biophotovoltaic technology is at a very early stage of development. Moss can be used to power small electronic devices like a digital alarm clock, but cannot currently power the table’s integrated lamp. However scientists anticipate that with further research, applications like this may be feasible. The moss table has been designed in the University of Cambridge by Carlos Peralta and Alex Driver in collaboration with scientist Paolo Bombelli who has been responsible for its scientific development. Research into Biophotovoltaics involves collaboration between the departments of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Plant Sciences at Cambridge University, and the Chemistry department at Bath University. The research is jointly led by Doctor Adrian Fisher, Professor Christopher Howe and Professor Alison Smith in Cambridge, and Doctor Petra Cameron in Bath. This research project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The Moss Table is an output of the research project "Design in Science" which was funded by the EPSRC and developed at Cambridge University’s Institute for Manufacturing.
