WO2024003840A1

WO2024003840A1 - Process and system for producing glucose

Info

Publication number: WO2024003840A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/056791
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arturo Solis Herrera
Original assignee: Arturo Solis Herrera
Priority date: 2022-06-29
Filing date: 2023-06-29
Publication date: 2024-01-04

Abstract

The present application relates to a process for producing glucose comprising reacting water and carbon from a carbon source in the presence of a melanin device, which comprises melanin and a substrate material (e.g., silica, plastic, or glass), and a source of electromagnetic energy, such as light energy. The carbon source can be, for example, charcoal. The melanin can be within the substrate to prevent the melanin from being dispersed throughout the water. The light energy can be visible or invisible light energy having a wavelength of 200 nm to 900 nm.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Process and System for Producing Glucose

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to processes and systems for producing glucose. In particular, the invention relates to the production of glucose from water, charcoal, electromagnetic energy, and melanin.

[0003] Glucose is a simple sugar having the general chemical formula CeHnOe. Glucose is a basic molecule of the food chain and is consumed by many organisms as a primary source of energy. One well studied process that results in the production of glucose is plant photosynthesis. [0004] In general, photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. More specifically, through the process of photosynthesis, plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into oxygen (O2) and glucose. Another critical component to this process is the pigment known as chlorophyll. Chlorophyll initiates photosynthesis by absorbing light energy or photons. For every photon absorbed, chlorophyll loses one electron, creating a flow of electrons which subsequently generates the energy necessary to catalyze the splitting of water into hydrogen ions or protons (H⁺) and O2. The resulting proton gradient is used to generate chemical energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This chemical energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

[0005] Similar to chlorophyll, melanin is also classified as a pigment. Melanin is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon, although the exact structure has not been fully elucidated. Melanin is ubiquitous in nature and methods are also known in the literature for synthesis of melanin. For many years, melanin had no biological or physiological function attributed to it, other than it being considered a simple sunscreen with a low protection factor equivalent to that of a 2% copper sulfate solution. Melanin has also been considered the darkest molecule because it is able to absorb energy of almost any wavelength, yet it did not seem to emit any energy. This was unique to melanin, and it contradicted thermodynamic laws because other compounds capable of absorbing energy, particularly pigments, emit a portion of the energy absorbed. The electronic properties of melanin have thus been the focus of attention for quite some time. However, melanin is one of the most stable compounds known to man and, for a long time, it seemed that melanin was unable to catalyze any chemical reaction. [0006] Recently, the intrinsic property of melanin to absorb energy and utilize the absorbed energy to split and subsequently reform the water molecule was discovered. Thus, melanin absorbs all wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, including visible and invisible light energy, and dissipates this absorbed energy by means of water dissociation and its consequent reformation. A photoelectrochemical process for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen, using melanin, and analogs, precursors, derivatives, or variants of melanin is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2011/0244345.

[0007] Without wishing to be bound by any theories, it is believed that the reaction inside melanin occurs according to the following reaction:

2H1O (liquid) 2H1 (gas) + O2 (gas) 2H1O (liquid) + 4 e

Upon the absorption of electromagnetic energy such as light energy (visible or invisible), melanin catalyzes the dissociation of water into diatomic hydrogen (H2), diatomic oxygen (O2), and electrons (e‘). Although the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen consumes energy, the reaction is reversible, and in the reverse process the reduction of oxygen atoms with diatomic hydrogen to reform the water molecules liberates energy.

[0008] Thus, melanin is able to transform light energy into chemical energy, analogous to the process by which plants use chlorophyll to transform light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis. Therefore, by analogy, we have designated this process “human photosynthesis.” However, there are at least two important distinctions between the water splitting reaction carried out by melanin and that carried out by chlorophyll. The first is that chlorophyll cannot catalyze the reverse process of reforming the water molecule. The second is that the water splitting reaction by chlorophyll can only occur in a living cell and with visible light having a wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm. Thus, the subsequent production of glucose can also only occur inside the living cell. In contrast, melanin can split and reform the water molecule outside of a living cell using any form of electromagnetic energy, particularly with light energy (visible or invisible) having a wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 900 nm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] All patents and publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Otherwise, certain terms used herein have the meanings as set forth in the specification. [0010] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0011] The invention relates to processes and systems for utilizing melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants to produce glucose from charcoal and water. According to embodiments of the invention, melanin can be used to produce glucose from charcoal and water, additionally requiring only a source of electromagnetic energy, such as invisible or visible light energy, gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radiowaves. Unlike the ability of chlorophyll to convert light energy into chemical energy, which is subsequently used to produce glucose in living cells by the process of photosynthesis, melanin can be used to produce glucose via an electrochemical process that can be performed outside a living cell in the presence of charcoal.

[0012] In one general aspect, the invention relates to an electrochemical process for producing glucose (CeHnOe). According to embodiments of the invention, the electrochemical process comprises reacting water and charcoal, in the presence of at least one melanin material and a source of electromagnetic energy. The at least one melanin material is selected from melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants.

[0013] As used herein, the term “electrolysis of water” refers to the process of splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. As used herein, “water-electrolyzing material” refers to a substance that is capable of splitting the water molecule into oxygen and hydrogen. According to embodiments of the invention, melanin materials including melanin (natural and synthetic), melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants are water-electrolyzing materials.

[0014] As used herein, the term “melanin material” refers to melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants including natural and synthetic melanin, eumelanin, pheomelanin, neuromelanin, polyhydroxyindole, eumelanin, alomelanin, humic acid, fulerens, graphite, polyindolequinones, acetylene black, pyrrole black, indole black, benzence black, thiophene black, aniline black, polyquinones in hydrated form, sepiomelanins, dopa black, dopamine black, adrenalin black, catechol black, 4-amine catechol black, in simple linear chain aliphatics or aromatics; or their precursors as phenols, aminophenols, or diphenols, indole polyphenols, quinones, semiquinones or hydroquinones, L-tyrosine, L-dopamine, morpholine, ortho-benzoquinone, dimorpholine, porphyrin black, pterin black, and ommochrome black. Preferably, the melanin is eumelanin. [0015] According to embodiments of the invention, the at least one melanin material is selected from melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one melanin material is selected from natural melanin and synthetic melanin.

[0016] According to embodiments of the invention, melanin can by synthesized from amino acid precursors of melanin, such as L-tyrosine. However, melanin materials can be obtained by any method known in the art in view of the present disclosure, including chemically synthesizing melanin materials and isolating melanin materials from natural sources, such as plants and animals. [0017] As used herein, the term “charcoal” encompasses any type or form of charcoal or source of carbon. Preferably, the charcoal is vegetal carbon or activated charcoal.

[0018] According to embodiments of the invention, an electrochemical process for producing glucose comprises reacting water and charcoal, in the presence of at least one melanin material and a source of electromagnetic energy, preferably a natural source, such as natural light. Upon the absorption of electromagnetic energy such as light energy (visible or invisible), the melanin material catalyzes the dissociation of water into diatomic hydrogen (H2), diatomic oxygen (O2), and electrons (e‘) (i.e., energy). The energy associated with, and more particularly carried by, the diatomic hydrogen and diatomic oxygen which have dissociated from the water molecule then enable the hydrogen and oxygen to combine with the charcoal in such a manner that glucose CeHnOe is formed.

[0019] So, we have the necessary elements for glucose to form. Water, light (visible and invisible), a source of carbon, and melanin, because it is responsible for dissociating the water molecule and providing the elements listed above.

[0020] It will be understood that the water may originate from any source, such as, but not limited to, rainwater, groundwater, runoff water, seawater, wastewater, gray water, distilled water and the like.

[0021] Because melanin is able to absorb electromagnetic energy and transform this electromagnetic energy into usable chemical energy, an external electric current is not required for the production of glucose according to an electrochemical process of the invention. Forms of electromagnetic energy suitable for use in an electrochemical process of the invention include visible and invisible light, gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radiowaves. According to a preferred embodiment, an electrochemical process according to the invention is a photoelectrochemical process, wherein the source of electromagnetic energy is photoelectric energy selected from visible light and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared radiation) light. The light may be natural light or artificial light.

[0022] In one embodiment, the water is contained in a vessel or reaction cell and exposed to light (natural or artificial). The water is preferably but not exclusively maintained at room temperature, and more particularly a temperature of approximately 20°C.

[0023] The system is preferably designed to maximize exposure of the water and the melanin device to light, because the melanin oxidizes water molecules to O2 and H2 by absorbing light energy (photons). In one embodiment, the water is contained in a vessel or reaction cell that is made of a transparent or translucent material, in order to permit the light to pass through. For example, depending on the wavelength of the light that is going to be used, the reaction cell may be made of quartz, so that the walls of the reaction cell do not absorb ultraviolet radiations. If light of a specific wavelength is determined and utilized, the material of the reaction cell could be of a color that allow maximum transparency or absorption of the wavelength from the electromechanical spectrum of interest. The reaction cell may be made of glass or of any polymer whose transmission characteristics of electromagnetic radiations fit to the final needs of the system design. The wavelengths that can be used to energize the design preferably, but not exclusively, comprise from 200 nanometers to 900 nanometers. Alternatively, the reaction cell may be formed of an opaque material, but has one open end via which light can contact the water and melanin device disposed therein.

[0024] While O2 and H2 molecules are produced by the melanin device solely by using light, the generation of oxygen and hydrogen can be increased by other means, such as doping the melanin with metals, electrolytes, organic molecules and inorganic molecules, or by controlling the characteristics of the light, or by controlling the characteristics of the vessel to optimize of the water exposure to light and the melanin form.

[0025] According one embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical process can be carried out in the presence of at least one melanin device. The melanin device is comprised of a substrate and at least one melanin material, such that the melanin material is held on or within the substrate. The substrate is formed of one or more carrier materials. The melanin material can be dispersed throughout the substrate or adsorbed onto the substrate. The melanin may be held or embedded in the carrier material(s) by any known or yet to be developed appropriate measures. In one embodiment, the melanin material is embedded in the carrier material by adhesion. In another embodiment, the melanin material is embedded in the carrier material by compression. This is possible because melanin has many bonding sites for bonding to other elements. [0026] The melanin device isolates the melanin material from the surrounding water and decreases the rate of dilution, dispersion, and degradation of the melanin molecule in the water. That is, a purpose of using a melanin device in an electrochemical process of the invention is to prevent the melanin material from dissolving in the water, diffusing through the water, or floating freely throughout the water. The melanin device ensures that the water retains its transparency and allows for the melanin material to remain in contact with the water without being dissolved in the water. Thus, the melanin material can last several decades to perform the hydrogenation and oxygenation actions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the substrate is preferably transparent to allow for increased transmission of electromagnetic energy in the form of light energy, and therefore increased glucose production. In a preferred embodiment, the melanin, which is preferably eumelanin, is impregnated or otherwise embedded in at least one carrier material which is compatible with melanin but will not chemically react with melanin. Preferably, the one or more carrier materials also do not dissolve in water. Examples of the carrier materials that may be used to form the melanin device, include, but are not limited to, silicon, silica, calcium, aluminum, polyethylene, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, gold, silver, glass, polycarbonate and the like and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the carrier materials include, but are not limited to, silica, plastic, and glass. The melanin device can be, for example, a melanin/silica plate, which can be made by combining a cementing mixture of silica with an aqueous melanin solution. Preferably, a melanin device for use in the invention is melanin mixed with silica. In one embodiment, the carrier materials of the melanin device are naturally existing elements or materials, such as calcium feldspar, quartz, tuff, boulder clay, silica, sand, silt, clay and mixtures thereof, and/or cementing agents, such as CaCCb and Al/Fe oxides. Melanin is rather easily impregnated in such elements and materials.

[0028] In one embodiment, the carrier materials mimic those of the Earth’s crust. In one embodiment, the compositional makeup of the melanin device is as follows:

Oxygen - approximately 44.8 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Si - approximately 25.7 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Al - approximately 7.5 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Fe - approximately 4.7 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Ca - approximately 3.4 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Na - approximately 2.6 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device K - approximately 2.4 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Mg - approximately 1.9 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Melanin - approximately 5 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device Other - approximately 2.6 wt.% based on total weight of melanin device [0029] Examples of other materials which may be used in the melanin device include, but are not limited to, titanium, hydrogen, phosphorous, manganese, fluorine, barium, carbon, strontium, sulfur, zirconium, tingsten, vanadium, chlorine, rubidium, chromium, copper, nitrogen, nickel, zinc and the like.

[0010] In one embodiment, the melanin device is preferably 3% to 8% by weight melanin material, and more preferably 3% to 5% by weight melanin material, and most preferably approximately 5% by weight melanin material.

[0030] A melanin device can comprise one type of melanin material, or more than one type of melanin material. For example, a melanin device for use in the invention can comprise melanin and eumelanin. According to another embodiment of the invention, more than one melanin device, with each device comprising a different type of melanin material can be used. For example, a first melanin device comprising melanin and a second melanin device comprising eumelanin can both be used in a process of producing glucose according to the invention.

[0031] According to embodiments of the invention, the melanin device can take on any size or shape, including but not limited to a rod (cylindrical), plate, sphere, or cube-shape. At least one melanin device can be used, but the number of melanin devices, or the size or shape of the melanin devices, is not limited in any way. The rate of the reaction will be controlled by the size, shape, surface area, amount of melanin material and number of melanin devices used in the reaction. According to a preferred embodiment, the size, shape and number of melanin devices are selected based on the desired reaction rate of the electrochemical process. For example, using a larger number of melanin devices will result in a faster rate of glucose production. As another illustrative example, a larger amount of melanin material in the melanin device will result in a faster rate of glucose production.

[0032] As an illustrative example, a melanin device in the shape of a block and including the melanin material embedded in a mixture of carrier materials may be made by combining the carrier materials, purified water, and eumelanin in a cube-shaped container made of an inactive material. Preferably, the eumelanin is added at a concentration of 5 g/L of purified water. The carrier materials comprise oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium. The components are mixed together and the mixture is allowed to cure or harden in the container, such that the hardened mixture takes on the shape of the container. [0033] It will be understood that the relative concentrations of melanin and carrier materials in the melanin device may be varied outside of the ranges disclosed above, for example, in order to meet the needs of a particular end use or application.

[0034] The melanin device may contact all or a portion of the water. Similarly, the charcoal may contact all or a portion of the water. In one embodiment, where the water is contained in a vessel, the melanin device and/or charcoal are generally immersed in the center of the body of water, such that they are in contact with all of the water (i.e., the entire volume of contained water). In another embodiment, where the water is contained in a vessel, the melanin device and/or charcoal are placed on the surface of the water, such that they are in contact with only a portion of the contained water, but not immersed therein. In another embodiment, where the water is not contained (i.e., free-flowing), the melanin device and/or charcoal may be either immersed under the surface of the water, such that they are in contact with the entire volume of water, or placed on the surface of the water, such that they are in contact with only a portion of the water.

[0035] In one embodiment, only a single melanin device is placed into contact with the water for oxygenation and hydrogenation thereof. In another embodiment, a plurality of melanin devices are contacted with the water for oxygenation and hydrogenation thereof. It will be understood that the rate of oxygenation and hydrogenation of the water depends upon a variety of factors, each of which may be adjusted as necessary to achieve the desired dissolved oxygen levels. For example, the rate of dissociation of the water molecules, and thus the rate of oxygenation of the water and level of dissolved oxygen in the water, can be controlled by varying the dimensions, shape and/or surface area of the melanin device; the number of melanin devices used; the amount of melanin material embedded in each melanin device; the volume of water; the characteristics of the light; the degree of exposure of the raw water to light; and the like. In one embodiment, the melanin form may be permanently kept in contact with the water, since melanin may carry out its function for hundreds of years.

[0036] In one embodiment, a 1 cubic centimeter melanin device of 5% melanin material by volume is effective for use with 50 mL of water to produce glucose. Preferably, the melanin device comprises 1% to 10% of charcoal.

[0037] In a general aspect, the invention relates to an electrochemical process for producing Cn- H2n0n species, wherein n represents an integer. In a preferred embodiment, n represents 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, such that a CnFbnOn species produced by a process of the invention is a glucose precursor, or glucose itself. The method of the present invention comprises placing at least one melanin device and charcoal in contact with water in a reaction cell and exposing the reaction cell to a source of electromagnetic energy, preferably photoelectric energy selected from visible and invisible light energy having a wavelength in the range of 200 nm to 900 nm. In a more preferred embodiment, the source of photoelectric energy is natural light.

[0038] In yet another general aspect, the invention relates to systems for producing glucose and CnH2n0n species from water, charcoal, melanin and a source of electromagnetic energy. According to embodiments of the invention, a system for producing glucose via an electrochemical process comprises:

(i) a reaction cell for receiving water, charcoal, and at least one melanin material, wherein the at least one melanin material is selected from melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants; and

(ii) a source of electromagnetic energy, such that the electromagnetic energy is transmitted into the reaction cell and is absorbed by the melanin material.

[0039] An electrochemical process according to embodiments of the invention will be initiated when the melanin material absorbs electromagnetic energy and catalyzes the electrolysis of water into H2 and O2. The contact of the melanin device with the raw water causes dissociation of the water molecules. Separation of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen atoms is a highly endergonic reaction due to the very stable association of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. By using melanin and light energy, the separation of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen atoms can be effected at room temperature.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, the electrochemical process can be performed at any temperature at which melanin is known to be stable, preferably between approximately -150 °C to 500 °C. According to a preferred embodiment, the method is more efficient if performed at a temperature ranging from -40 °C to 100 °C, preferably 0°C to 50 °C, more preferably from 12°C to 30°C, and most preferably at room temperature (approximately 25°C). It will be understood, however, that the preferred temperature may vary with varying experimental conditions, such as pressure, amount of light, amount of water, pollutants in the water, desired glucose levels, and the like.

[0041] An electrochemical process according to the invention can further comprise a step of isolating the glucose obtained from the reaction of charcoal, water, and the at least one melanin material. As an illustrative example, glucose can be isolated by evaporating the aqueous reaction solution. However, glucose can be identified and measured without being isolated by, for example, spectrophotometry. [0042] The invention also relates to an electrochemical process for producing CntbnOn species, wherein n represents an integer. Preferably n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, such that the CntbnOn species is a glucose precursor, or glucose itself. According to embodiments of the invention, an electrochemical process for producing CntbnOn species can be the same as that used to produce glucose, and comprises reacting water and charcoal, in the presence of at least one melanin material and a source of electromagnetic energy. Preferably, the source of electromagnetic energy is photoelectric energy selected from visible light and invisible (ultraviolet and infrared radiation) light. Other embodiments of a process for producing CntbnOn species according to the invention can be the same as those described for an electrochemical process for producing glucose according to the invention. Preferably, an electrochemical process for producing CntbnOn species is a photoelectrochemical process.

[0043] The precise mechanism by which melanin is able use electromagnetic energy to produce glucose, glucose precursors, and other CnPbnOn species from charcoal and water in an electrochemical process according to embodiments of the invention is not yet fully understood. Without wishing to be bound by any theories, it is believed that melanin absorbs the electromagnetic energy, promoting conversion of low energy electrons to high energy electrons. The high energy electrons are transferred by mobile electron carriers within the melanin material. This electron transfer releases energy and establishes a proton gradient sufficient to initiate the splitting of water into diatomic hydrogen (H2) and diatomic oxygen (O2) along with the release of four high energy electrons. Thus, melanin releases molecules of H2 and O2, as well as a flow of high energy electrons in all directions, controlled by diffusion. The released hydrogen and high energy electrons have different types of energy, and it is thought that both types of energy play a role in the conversion of charcoal and water into glucose and other CnPbnOn species. Although the splitting of water into H2 and O2 consumes energy, the reaction is reversible and the reduction of O2 with H2 to reform the water molecules liberates energy. Thus, after the water molecule is split, the water molecule must be reformed in order to supply energy to the glucose production reaction that occurs from the fusion of charcoal and water.

[0044] Many factors will affect the rate and efficiency of an electrochemical process for producing glucose according to embodiments of the invention. These factors include, but are not limited to, the amount of energy released by splitting and reforming the water molecules, the amount of charcoal, temperature, pressure, the wavelength of electromagnetic energy supplied to the reaction, and the amount of electromagnetic energy absorbed by the melanin material. [0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electrochemical process for producing glucose is performed under sterile conditions, meaning that there is substantially no bacteria present in the reaction. Because bacteria can consume glucose, the presence of bacteria can decrease the amount of glucose produced by an electrochemical process according to the invention. Reactions can be sterilized by any method known in the art in view of the present disclosure, including but not limited to filter sterilization and heat sterilization.

[0046] The dissociation and reformation of the water molecule to produce energy that is subsequently used to produce glucose from charcoal and water can by catalyzed by at least one melanin material, wherein the at least one melanin material is the only water-electrolyzing material present in the reaction. Thus, in particular embodiments of the invention, the at least one melanin material is the only water-electrolyzing material used in an electrochemical process for producing glucose. According to a preferred embodiment, melanin (synthetic or natural) is the only water electrolyzing material used in a process for producing glucose.

[0047] Another aspect of the invention provides a system for producing glucose via an electrochemical process. According to embodiments of the invention, the system is comprised of a reaction cell and a source of electromagnetic energy. As used herein, the term “reaction cell” refers to any container that can receive and hold water and charcoal. The reaction cell can take on any shape, and can be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastics, glass, and any other materials that allow for the transmission of the desired wavelengths of electromagnetic energy into the reaction cell, such that the electrochemical process can occur. The material of the reaction cell is preferably transparent to allow for the transmission of visible light.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the reaction cell is a closed reaction cell. A closed reaction cell can be made of any suitable material as discussed above. Preferably, the reaction cell is closed. The reaction cell receives water, charcoal, and at least one melanin material. The at least one melanin material is selected from melanin, melanin precursors, melanin derivatives, melanin analogs, and melanin variants, and is preferably melanin (synthetic or natural). In another embodiment of the invention, a system comprises the at least one melanin material as part of at least one melanin device, the device comprised of a substrate and a melanin material as discussed above. Preferably, the melanin device comprises melanin (natural or synthetic) and silica.

[0049] A system according to the invention is preferably sterile, and lacks the presence of any bacteria. The system, including one or more of its component parts (reaction cell, tubing, etc.) can be sterilized according to any method known in the art that eliminates or kills bacteria, such as by applying heat, chemicals, irradiation, pressure, or filtration. [0050] According to embodiments of the invention, the energy provided by the source of electromagnetic energy to the reaction cell is transmitted through the reaction cell, such that it is absorbed by the melanin material. In a preferred embodiment, the source of electromagnetic energy provides invisible or visible light energy having a wavelength between 200 nm and 900 nm to the reaction cell.

[0051] According to embodiments of the invention, a system for producing glucose via an electrochemical process can also be used to produce CnH2n0n species. Preferably the CnH2n0n species is a glucose precursor, wherein n represents 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.

[0052] The electrochemical process and system for producing glucose according to embodiments of the invention, in addition to charcoal and water, requires only the presence of a melanin material and electromagnetic energy, preferably photoelectric energy, and more preferably light energy, and thus is environmentally friendly because no source of external energy, other than that present in the natural surroundings is required. Furthermore, no complex setup or maintenance is required. Because melanin is one of the most stable molecules known to man, having a half-life estimated to be on the order of millions of years, the melanin material or melanin device can be used for decades before it needs to be replaced.

[0053] The system for producing glucose according to embodiments of the invention does not require any complicated operation or set-up, and thus only requires a container for receiving water, charcoal, and at least one melanin material, as well as a source of electromagnetic energy to provide the at least one melanin material with sufficient amounts of energy to catalyze the splitting and reformation of the water molecule and the subsequent formation of glucose. According to a preferred embodiment, the source of electromagnetic energy transmits visible or invisible light energy having a wavelength between 200 nm and 900 nm into the reaction cell.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A process for producing glucose, the process comprising reacting water and carbon from a carbon source in the presence of at least one melanin device and a source of electromagnetic energy, wherein the carbon source is charcoal, wherein the at least one melanin device consists essentially of melanin and a substrate, wherein the substrate is an inert material selected from the group consisting of silica, plastic, and glass, the melanin being held within the substrate to prevent the melanin from being dispersed throughout the water, and the electromagnetic energy is visible or invisible light energy having a wavelength of 200 nm to 900 nm, such that glucose is produced.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the substrate of the at least one melanin device is silica, such that a mixture of melanin and silica is formed.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of O°C to 25°C.

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein melanin is selected from natural melanin and synthetic melanin.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein melanin is the only water-electrolyzing material used in the process.

6. A system for producing glucose, the system comprising:

(i) a reaction cell for receiving water, charcoal as a carbon source, and at least one melanin device consisting essentially of melanin and a substrate, wherein the substrate is an inert material selected from the group consisting of silica, plastic, and glass, wherein the melanin is held within the substrate and is not dispersed throughout or dissolved in the water; and

(ii) a source of electromagnetic energy, wherein the electromagnetic energy is visible or invisible light energy having a wavelength of 200 nm to 900 nm, such that the electromagnetic energy is transmitted into the reaction cell and is absorbed by melanin, e system according to claim 7, wherein the reaction cell is connected to a device for continuously injecting CO2 gas into the reaction cell.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the reaction cell is a closed reaction cell.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein melanin is selected from natural melanin and synthetic melanin.

9. The system according to claim 6, wherein melanin is the only water-electrolyzing material present in the system.

10. The system according to claim 6, wherein the substrate of the at least one melanin device is silica, such that a mixture of melanin and silica is formed.