Fig. 1.

Concept of the photosynthesis-assisted remodeling of 3D-printed structures. (A) Schematics to illustrate photosynthesis-assisted remodeling of plants. The photosynthesis-produced glucose undergoes a condensation reaction to form stiff polysaccharide (e.g., cellulose). (B) Schematics to illustrate photosynthesis-assisted remodeling of a synthetic polymer. The photosynthesis-produced glucose undergoes a reaction with isocyanate (NCO) side groups to form additional cross-links. (C) Image sequence of a 3D-printed treelike structure with various light illumination periods (white light intensity 69.3 ${\text{W/m}}^2$) of the photosynthesis process. (D) Unstrengthened and strengthened 3D-printed treelike structures loaded by the same weight (1 g). (E) Image sequence of a 3D-printed Popeye-like structure with various light illumination periods of the photosynthesis process. (F) Unstrengthened and strengthened 3D-printed Popeye-like structures loaded by the same weight (200 g). The red dashed boxes denote glass slides. The unstrengthened Popeye’s height reduces by 34.7%, but the strengthened Popeye only by 7% (SI Appendix, Fig. S7).