A Paris-based startup company Glowee is developing a bacteria lighting, using bioluminescent glow to light up shop windows and street signs, reported New Scientist.

A Paris-based startup company Glowee ahs successfully commercialized bioluminescent lighting. Now they are working toward adding up the lifetime of the bacteria to 30 days. (All Photos Courtesy of Glowee)

The team cultivates self-illuminating bacteria, extracted from squids, and place the glowing bacteria into a transparent shell that can be shaped by different needs.

The bacteria used by Glowee are non-pathogenic and non-toxic. They only feed on sugar and oxygen to emit light.

Upon its debut in December 2015, the company has unveiled its first product, a bacteria light that has three- day lifetime. Meanwhile, Glowee is working toward lighting their products up to 30 days. They are working on improving bacteria’s capacity to renew themselves.

Currently, France-based retailers are not allowed to light their shop window throughout 1 am to 7 am, a policy aimed at reducing light pollution and energy saving. This means the green-blue glowing bacteria may be useful as a non-electrical illumination.

Despite the success of commercializing bioluminescent lighting, Glowee also faces different voices from researchers. Edith Widder at the Ocean Research & Conservation Association in Fort Pierce, Florida considers the cost of producing large amount of bioluminescent bacteria is less efficient than using LED lighting.

The bacteria lit lighting could be a solution for Paris-based retailers at night.

But Glowee announced that they have adjusted the gel and genetically engineered the bacteria. The bacteria will be able to light up only at night and save energy throughout the day.

The team is to launch a commercial product in 2017, aiming at one month lifetime.