Hong Kong Scientists Develop Yeast-Based Material for Low-Energy Mars Shelters

Mars shelter problem can be solved with engineered yeast, gelatin and sand: paper

Scientists in Hong Kong have developed a low-energy “living” building material that can be 3D printed in conditions simulating the Martian environment.

A biological binder for Mars construction

The material is made from genetically engineered yeast, gelatin and sand, and is intended to support quick and low-cost construction.

The study addresses a major challenge for future settlers on Mars, who would need houses but would face difficult choices over construction materials.

They could either spend huge sums transporting those materials from Earth or use enormous amounts of energy to melt Martian soil into bricks.

The Hong Kong scientists’ approach uses a biological binder to hold granular materials together, according to their study.

This makes the material different from conventional construction methods that depend on transporting supplies or processing Martian soil with very high energy use.

Strength within conventional range

The study was published online last month in Chem Circularity, an international Cell Press journal.

It describes how the “living” material can be 3D printed under conditions that simulate the Martian environment.

The optimised formulation recorded a compressive strength of about 12 megapascals (MPa).

That was around 170 per cent higher than the control formulation, according to the study.

The reported strength was also within the range of conventional building materials.

The findings point to a potential construction method that combines biological materials with sand while reducing the energy demands associated with building on Mars.

Source: South China Morning Post