Bioelectricity in plant science
As well as powering nearly all technology in modern life, electricity plays a significant role in biology.
In plants, action potentials triggered by damage or pathogens, propagate to other parts of the plant, activating defences. Cell polarity determines direction and rate of growth, and by electrotropism plant growth responds to electrical fields. Within photosynthetic cells, electrical gradients are formed across thylakoid membranes during photosynthesis. Photosynthesis can drive generation of electricity in biophotovoltaic devices or be otherwise re-wired for electrosynthesis of bioproducts. Life itself even has been hypothesised to have evolved under electric fields. The Bioelectricity Group (Wey Group) at the University of Turku led by Dr Laura Wey researches fundamental photobioelectrochemical mechanisms in Plant Science, with projects on (1) photosynthetic bacteria, (2) plants, and (3) symbiotic soil bacteria; and aims to harness that understanding in (1) photo-bio-batteries, and (2-3) electro-culture to contribute to sustainable energy and crop yields, respectively.
Read more about our projects
Photosynthetic bacteria can transfer electrons to outside their cells. This ability, which is a side-product of photosynthesis, has been harnessed in biophotovoltaics to generate green electricity. However, the exact mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. The Photo-e-microbes project aims to answer fundamental scientific questions about how this extracellular electron transport pathway interacts with other electron transport pathways inside photosynthetic bacteria. We are developing coupled biofilm spectroscopy and photoelectrochemistry for simultaneously studying photosynthesis and electricity generation; and collaborating with modellers to add extracellular electron transfer to existing mathematical models of photosynthesis and cell metabolism. We are collaborating with material scientists to explore sustainable electrode materials to make the abiotic components of biophotovoltaics environmentally friendly. The Photo-e-microbes Project is funded by a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and from the Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation (2023-2026).
Recent evidence suggests that photosynthetic bacteria may switch between exporting and importing electrons. The CyanoSWITCH project aims to uncover the molecular players of extracellular electron transfer by understanding the regulation of its magnitude and directionality. We are considering factors like thiol redox-switches and circadian rhythms. By understanding these regulatory mechanisms, the project hopes to develop new strategies for rationally harnessing extracellular electron transfer for renewable energy biotechnologies. The CyanoSWITCH Project is funded by an Academy Research Fellowship grant in the field of Natural Sciences and Engineering from the Research Council of Finland (formerly Academy of Finland) (2025-2029).
The ability of photosynthetic bacteria to switch between exporting and importing electrons opens up the possibility of harnessing bidirectional extracellular electron transfer in photo-bio-batteries to charge, store and discharge electricity. The Photo-Bio-Batteries project aims to uncover when photosynthetic bacteria switch between different directions of extracellular electron transfer, considering environmental conditions like sugar availability, light and temperature. We are collaborating with material scientists to develop smart electrodes that change their shape and function in response to light and temperature, to complement the dynamic performance of photosynthetic bacteria in photo-bio-batteries. The Photo-bio-batteries Project is funded by an Emerging Investigator grant in the field of Industrial Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (2025-2031).
Since the mid-1800s farmers and scientists have tried to grow plants more with electric fields, using both (i) “earth batteries” where metal plates were put into (moist) soil (containing bacteria) (like a modern microbial fuel cell) and (ii) “atmospheric electricity” where wires were strung above plants. In the natural environment, in the 1880s Professor Karl Lemström a geophysicist at the University of Helsinki studying the northern lights even proposed that atmospheric electricity contributed to plants in the far north of Finland growing rapidly despite the short growing season. The ePlants project aims to undercover the underlying bioelectrochemical mechanism(s) that can sum to enhanced plant growth in electric fields, targeting photosynthesis. With some exciting preliminary results, the ePlants project is actively seeking funding now.
We are always looking for ambitious, passionate and talented students and scientists with a strong background in plant science, microbiology, biochemistry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry or microscopy.
All available funded positions (Postdoctoral Researchers, Postgraduate Researchers, Research Assistants, Trainees) will be listed and receive applications through open vacancies: See open vacancies Postdoctoral fellowship or PhD scholarship applications to external funding bodies will always be considered.
We can supervise research projects during Bachelors and Masters studies, such as:
• KABI4010 Master's Thesis, Molecular Plant Biology
• KABI4019 Project in Photosynthesis
• DIBT0101 Project Work, Biotechnology
• BKEM1064 Laboratory Project in Biochemistry
• BKEM1107 Research in Molecular Biosciences
If you are interested in joining the group, please email Dr Laura Wey directly along with your CV, potential funding or coursework opportunities and possible start dates to discuss possibilities.
Please note that due to the high volume of emails received, we may not be able to respond to every inquiry. However, all applications will be reviewed. Candidates who demonstrate (i) an excellent academic record, (ii) a clear motivation to join the group, and (iii) a pathway towards funding may be invited for an interview.
We are also happy to collaborate on photosynthesis and photobioelectrochemistry projects with other research groups. Please get in contact!
Group members and their publications
One funded PhD position available starting October 2025.
Two funded PhD positions will be available starting April 2026.
- Pulmu Eloranta with Adjunct Prof. Pia Damlin in the Materials Chemistry Research Group in the Department of Chemistry
- Doctoral Researcher Eba Itafa with Prof. Yagut Allahverdiyeva-Rinne in the Photosynthetic Microbes Research Group in the Department of Life Technologies
- Doctoral Researcher Michaela (Kayla) Crosbie with Adjunct Prof. Lauri Nikkanen in the Regulation of Bioenergetics in Cyanobacteria Research Group in the Department of Life Technologies
Venla Orpana, Research Assistant (2025)
Mithila Ray, Research Assistant (2023-2024)
Johanna Vaino, Trainee (2023-2024)
