This paper presents the conceptual design and functional prototype of a bio-electronic device grafted
onto the rootstock of a cactus (specifically Trichocereus, commonly known as San Pedro cactus) to
harvest and store bio-generated energy. The cactus rootstock naturally produces metabolic energy,
typically allocated toward supporting grafted scions. Instead, this energy is captured and converted into
usable electrical power via a grafted bio-electronic interface connected to an energy storage system.
The system requires only sunlight and water, enabling autonomous operation in arid environments.
Comparative analysis is provided against traditional photovoltaic solar panels. The design proposes
San Pedro cactus as the optimal candidate due to its rapid growth rate, water-retentive physiology, and
extensive vascular transport capabilities.
Plants are natural biochemical powerhouses, converting solar radiation into
chemical energy through photosynthesis. Cacti, in particular, are highly efficient at storing water and
sustaining prolonged metabolic activity under minimal input conditions. The rootstock of cacti provides
significant amounts of metabolic energy to support grafted scions. This paper introduces a novel
application: capturing that metabolic power through a bio-electronic graft designed to interface with the
vascular transport tissues of Trichocereus (San Pedro cactus).
The prototype system involves grafting a custom-designed bio-electronic
harvesting device directly onto the apical meristem of the Trichocereus cactus rootstock. The device
incorporates: – Electrochemical harvesting electrodes: microelectrodes interfacing with xylem and
phloem tissues to extract bioelectric potential differences generated during nutrient and ion transport. –
Voltage regulation circuits: stabilizing the fluctuating bioelectric signals. – Battery storage
system: lithium-ion battery pack connected externally, charged by the harvested energy. –
Protective biocompatible interface: ensures longevity of cactus tissue health while maintaining
electrical conductivity. The grafting technique mirrors botanical scion grafting procedures, except that
instead of a plant scion, a bio-electronic device is positioned as the recipient.
Preliminary results suggest that a single mature Trichocereus specimen
(approximately 2 m in height and 20 cm in diameter) is capable of producing bioelectric currents in the
range of 50–200 µA at 0.2–0.6 V, depending on hydration and light intensity. This translates into
~0.01–0.1 Wh/day of harvestable power, enough for ultra-low-power electronics (e.g., sensors, IoT
devices). By comparison, a small 10 W solar panel under full sunlight generates ~50 Wh/day, which is
orders of magnitude greater. However, the cactus bio-generator provides distinct advantages: it
functions continuously (day and night) due to metabolic persistence, requires no mechanical
maintenance, and operates in conditions where solar panels may fail due to dust or shading. San Pedro
cactus (Trichocereus) is particularly suitable because of its rapid growth, significant biomass, and
efficient CAM photosynthesis. Larger, taller specimens proportionally increase the vascular potential for
energy harvesting, making cactus size and height key variables in power output scalability.
This work introduces a pioneering approach to bio-electronic energy harvesting
using cactus rootstock. While current energy yields are modest compared to photovoltaic cells, the
potential for continuous, self-sustaining, and environmentally integrated power systems is highly
promising. Trichocereus cacti, with their unique physiology and growth potential, serve as an optimal
bio-platform for future bio-electric power harvesting technologies. The implications extend toward
sustainable power generation in remote desert environments, long-term biological sensor networks,
and hybrid energy systems that merge plant biology with electronics.
By u/IMDAVESBUD
by IMDAVESBUD
21 Comments
What’s the cost associated?
Hook that bad boy up to Cahuilla and maybe you can run a Tesla 🤔
😲 wow. Mad scientist u/imdavesbud.
Most rad!!!!
You are such an active member of the community I love seeing your name pop up in the most random places 😂
You need to still a step up transformer, a 1.2 farad cap and a magnetron. Send that guy some 5g lol
Post a YouTube diy this is awesome!!!!!
So if I have a Tesla I just need to have a trunk full of Sp to keep from having to stop and charge
Link? <3
Hey Dave! This is really cool!
I’m a chemist and new-ish professor with over a dozen publications, is there anything about the writing or publishing process that I can help you with?
I think this would make a neat white paper, but you are going to have to pick the right journal and frame it right for the publisher.
This is incredible. 🤯
Is this your idea/conception?
Does the intensity of bioelectric current correspond with the rate at which a cactus grows? Could this device be used to research the precisely optimal conditions for Trichocereus cultivation?
Very cool! Nice post.👍
🤯
Bravo my friend well written and explained. I am hanging on the edge of my seat excited to watch this technique and technology advance. Itd be a dream to be living off of wind, light, and cactus one day haha. All green baby.
https://preview.redd.it/5c6aknwae7kf1.png?width=1113&format=png&auto=webp&s=3a0e135d79a433da4e223ac114372b65a218ab89
your ingenuity is impressive, we immediately went into the lab to create a device that attaches to your device to help growers while out in the garden
It would be interesting to see hyperspecific info on how different growing conditions affect bioelectric currents. But I can’t tell what’s a shitpost and what’s real anymore. I am officially lost in the sauce
Incredible sharing!
Thank you!
Keep us posted 😀
Bin
Where’s the paper ?