A groundbreaking University of Chicago study published in April 2023 revealed unexpected similarities between photosynthesis and quantum physics[^9]. The research team discovered that excitons - paired electrons and holes that carry energy in leaves during photosynthesis - can form patterns similar to those seen in Bose-Einstein condensates, a quantum state previously only observed at extremely cold temperatures[^9].

“As far as we know, these areas have never been connected before, so we found this very compelling and exciting,” said study co-author Professor David Mazziotti[^9].

The study, published in PRX Energy, found that these exciton patterns can form “islands” of condensate-like behavior even at room temperature in disordered plant systems, potentially doubling energy transfer efficiency[^9]. This contrasts with traditional exciton condensates that require near-absolute zero temperatures and highly ordered materials[^9][^15].

The findings open new possibilities for developing synthetic materials that could harness this effect. As Mazziotti noted, “A perfect ideal exciton condensate is sensitive and requires a lot of special conditions, but for realistic applications, it’s exciting to see something that boosts efficiency but can happen in ambient conditions”[^9].

[^9]: UChicago News - Scientists find link between photosynthesis and ‘fifth state of matter’ [^15]: CBS News - New University of Chicago study discovers similarities between photosynthesis, supercooling of atoms