Artificial Photosynthesis

Collisions Under Lake Erie

Witten to the editor of Analog:

Dear Dr. Schmidt,

Dr. Gillett provided fascinating insights with his article “Artificial Photosynthesis” (April, 2005). Why did he leave off with speculation about methanol production? I think he could have expanded on the concept by speculating on the ability to produce sugars and artificial sweeteners. Aspartame (formed from two amino acids) contains methanol in part. Meanwhile, the commercial viability might be proven on a smaller scale by selling syntheries (the terms refineries and distilleries don’t seem appropriate) to large and small manufacturers, I could see bakeries and confectionary shops abandoning their suppliers, setting about a downturn in natural sugar production and the conversion of sugar plantations to more nutritious food production.

The synthesis of aspartame produces a water molecule, at least in theory. Sucralose contains chlorine. Is there the possibility of ramping up desalination plants a whole level of magnitude? Also, if starches can be synthesized there is a possibility of producing cotton (hint to Egypt and India).

I can quite imagine all the equatorial countries devoting funds and personnel to this area of study. As for the science fiction possibilities, consider a setting such as Bahrain a hundred years from now, as totally automated processes run wild, producing a mountain of sugar and millions of baked goods. Cleveland, Ohio would lose its title, as this small country becomes the new “Rock (Candy) and Roll Capital”.

Thank you for keeping me young by giving me these wonderments “published monthly except for combined January/February and July/August double issues…” for my speculation.

Sincerely,



Harlan R. Cohen, MBA, CPIM

Beachwood, OH