US EditionHarvard Grows Algae in Bioplastic Shelters Under Mars-Like Conditions
UNITED STATES, JUL 4 – Researchers grew green algae inside 3D-printed bioplastic chambers under Mars-like conditions, achieving photosynthesis rates comparable to Earth, advancing sustainable habitat design for Mars missions.
- On July 2, researchers led by Robin Wordsworth at Harvard demonstrated green algae growing inside 3D-printed bioplastic habitats under Mars-like conditions.
- They developed the bioplastic habitats to address the challenge that Mars’ low atmospheric pressure prevents liquid water and makes sustaining human life difficult.
- The algae Dunaliella tertiolecta thrived in translucent polylactic acid vessels simulating Mars’ 600 Pascals pressure and carbon dioxide-rich air, showing Earth-like photosynthesis rates.
- Wordsworth described a habitat made from bioplastic that supports the growth of algae, which in turn has the potential to generate additional bioplastic, creating a self-sustaining, regenerative system.
- This sustainable bioplastic system could reduce dependence on Earth supplies and support future extraterrestrial habitats, also offering spin-off benefits for Earth sustainability technology.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Algae bioplastic could be key to human space exploration, including building habitats on Mars
Scientists have developed a new bioplastic derived from green algae which could resolve major challenges in the pursuit of sending humans to live on other worlds like Mars. Human missions to other planets will necessitate building habitats – structures for the intrepid explorers to eat, sleep, do research and engage in recreational activities. A significant drawback is that transporting the materials necessary to build such habitats would be a c…
NewScientist
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsBioplastic habitats on Mars could be built from algae
A lab experiment that simulated Mars conditions showed that green algae can grow in plastic containers made from the same algae, setting the stage for a self-sustaining system to build habitats on the planet
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