The development of a low-toxic peroxyoxalate chemiluminescent system for light-emitting plants

Light-emitting plants (LEPs) represent a promising technology for harnessing nature's processes for sustainable illumination. However, ensuring the long-term stability and efficiency of the emission without compromising plant health is critical. To address these issues, the experiment explored the creation of a chemiluminescent reaction using ethyl vanillin, a food flavoring compound, as an alternative to commercial chemiluminescent products, which are carcinogenic. Divanillyl oxalate (DVO) was used as a precursor in the chemiluminescence system, combined with an organic solvent, NaOH, H₂O₂, and fluorescein dye. Light emissions were measured after applying the mixtures onto Epipremmum aureum leaves. Additionally, other organic solvents (triacetin, dimethyl phthalate (DMP), ethylene glycol, glycerol, and DMSO) were assessed in the chemiluminescence system. Results showed that the DVO-fluorescence system emitted light up to 7.98 × 10⁵ a.u. when formulated with 0.5 mL of 70 mg/mL DVO, 0.5 mL fluorescein, and 0.5 mL of 3% (v/v) H₂O₂, 0.1 mL of 0.01 M NaOH in DMP:EG (1:3 v/v) with fluorescein dye. After foliar application, the intensity of light emitted by E. aureum sprayed with the DVO-fluorescence system reached a level that was 0.56 times the intensity of commercial products. Moreover, the emitted light remained visible to the naked eye for up to 60 min. The DVO chemiluminescence system was also effective in emitting light.