In a groundbreaking development, French startup Neoplants has unveiled Neo Px, a bioengineered plant that revolutionizes indoor air purification. With the ability to capture, remove, and recycle harmful pollutants found indoors, Neo Px is equivalent to up to 30 regular houseplants in terms of air purification.

Co-founder Lionel Mora explains that the idea of enhancing the functions of living organisms originated when he met genome editing researcher Patrick Torbey five years ago. The duo decided to focus on air purification and recognized the immense potential of plants in this regard. After extensive research and development, they introduced Neo Px as the first product of their startup.

Protected in a rented greenhouse in Lodi, California, several thousand modified pothos plants eagerly await packaging and shipment. Neoplants began selling its innovative product in the United States in April, recognizing the country as a promising market due to the widespread use of air purifiers. However, despite their best efforts, demand currently outweighs supply.

The importance of cleaner air has become more evident in the United States, with the increasing occurrence of wildfires causing pollution issues. Neo Px targets pollutants like benzene, which is emitted during combustion. The product aims to address the fact that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, primarily due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gaseous pollutants accumulate indoors and can have detrimental effects on health and air quality.

Tracey Woodruff, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, underscores the dangers associated with VOCs, linking them to cancer and various respiratory and reproductive health issues. Opening windows does not provide effective relief since VOCs can originate from various household items such as solvents, glues, paints, cleaning products, furniture, and walls.

Neo Px does not directly absorb these chemicals, but instead relies on a symbiotic relationship with a specially formulated bacterial strain. Sold at a starting price of $120, Neo Px comes with packets of powder containing this microbiome that colonizes the plant's roots, soil, and leaves. The bacteria absorbs the VOCs to grow and reproduce, creating an ecosystem where the plant plays a vital role.

Looking towards the future, Neoplants plans to produce genetically modified plants that directly contribute to air purification. Additionally, the startup aims to address problems linked to global warming by enhancing trees' CO2 capturing capacity and developing drought-resistant seeds.

Google product manager Vincent Nallatamby expressed his confidence in Neoplants and was among the initial investors. Intrigued by technological objects, he proudly owns his own Neo Px plant, which sits inconspicuously in his San Francisco living room amid a collection of various houseplants.

With Neo Px's revolutionary capabilities, Neoplants is poised to lead the way in the field of bioengineered plants for air purification. As the demand for cleaner indoor air continues to rise, this innovative solution promises to provide a healthier and more sustainable living environment for all.