
Researchers in Hong Kong have created a low-cost, 3D-printable 'living' building material from genetically engineered yeast, gelatin, and sand that achieves compressive strength comparable to conventional materials under simulated Martian conditions, as reported in Chem Circularity.
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The research focuses on creating sustainable construction materials for potential use in extraterrestrial environments, particularly Mars, where traditional building supplies are impractical to transport.
Scientists in Hong Kong say they have developed a quick and low-cost “living” building material made from genetically engineered yeast, gelatin and sand that can be 3D printed under conditions simulating the Martian environment.
Their study, published online last month in Chem Circularity, an international Cell Press journal, describes a biological binder that holds granular materials together.
The optimised formulation had a compressive strength of about 12 megapascals (MPa), around 170 per cent higher than that of the control formulation and within the range of conventional building materials.
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Further testing will evaluate the material's performance in actual Martian simulation environments
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