A group of American researchers presented a biotechnological solution that can form a building material from Martian regolith without human intervention. The development is aimed at reducing the dependence of future missions to Mars on the delivery of construction resources from Earth and can play a key role in providing infrastructure for colonization of the planet.
The project is being implemented under the leadership of Dr. Kongrui Grace Jean from Texas A&M University with the participation of specialists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The results are published in the Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering.
The technology is based on an artificially created symbiotic system that mimics natural lichens. It consists of heterotrophic filamentous fungi and photosynthetic cyanobacteria. The bacteria capture carbon dioxide and nitrogen from the surrounding atmosphere, and produce oxygen and organic compounds necessary for fungi to survive. Fungi, in turn, supply bacteria with water and minerals, and also play a key role in binding Martian regolith particles by forming mineral compounds. The combined activity of these organisms leads to the formation of biopolymers that can glue dust, sand and stones into strong structures.
The technology is adapted to autonomous operating conditions. For its functioning, only basic resources are needed: light, Martian air, water, and the regolith itself. In the course of experiments, the system showed a stable ability to independently produce building materials.
The next stage of work will be the development of bio-ink for 3D printing. The researchers plan to use the resulting biomass as a component for printing structural elements of buildings, furniture, and infrastructure directly on site-without human input, heavy machinery, or factory settings.
The project is funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as part of the program to support advanced technologies for deep space exploration.
