A Tale of Two Approaches: Photosynthetic Augmentation via Nanobionics and Solid-State Fluorescence

Global food demand is projected to rise by nearly 50% by 2050, placing unprecedented pressure on agricultural productivity. Photosynthesis, the biological foundation of crop growth, is intrinsically constrained by its limited utilization of the solar spectrum, as only 43% of incoming solar energy falls within the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) range. This review evaluates two strategies that can be used to overcome these spectral limitations: external light modulation via solid-state fluorescence and internal augmentation through plant nanobionics. Solid-state fluorescence employs luminescent films and greenhouse coatings that convert harmful or underutilized ultraviolet radiation into PAR, enhancing canopy-level light quality. Nanobionics integrates engineered nanomaterials into plant tissues, where they function as artificial antennae that expand absorption spectra and may transfer energy directly to chlorophyll via Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) or direct electron transfer. However, challenges remain in validating FRET in vivo (requiring fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy), understanding nanomaterial environmental fate, and scaling these technologies economically. This review synthesizes current findings, highlights mechanistic uncertainties, and outlines future pathways toward integrating photonic technologies into sustainable agriculture.