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Hong Kong scientists develop yeast-based concrete for Martian habitats
Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a new biomaterial designed for 3D-printing habitats on Mars. The material, termed Martian living building material (MLBM), consists of a mixture of Martian regolith (sand), gelatin, and genetically engineered yeast.
The construction process utilizes the unique Martian environment to cure the material. Under the planet’s extreme cold and low atmospheric pressure, the water in the mixture undergoes sublimation—turning directly from ice to vapor—which leaves behind a hardened, porous, foam-like structure. This freeze-drying effect allows for a low-energy biological curing process that avoids the massive energy requirements of traditional thermochemical methods used to melt soil into bricks.
In laboratory simulations, the material achieved a compressive strength of approximately 10 to 12 megapascals, making it comparable to low-grade concrete on Earth. While the material is strong enough to serve as a structural shell for one- or two-story buildings in Martian gravity, researchers note that a complete habitat would still require additional components such as airtight membranes, radiation shielding, and life-support systems.
Entities
Chem Circularity · Hong Kong University of Science and Technology · Jishen Qiu · Mars · The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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- [● 3 SOURCES] Researchers have developed a living building material (MLBM) for Mars using Martian regolith, gelatin, and genetically engineered yeast. ticoslandia.com · www.zmescience.com · www.cnet.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The yeast used in the binder is genetically engineered with proteins similar to those mussels use to attach to rocks. www.cnet.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The construction process utilizes a low-temperature biological curing method where water sublimates in the Martian atmosphere. ticoslandia.com · www.zmescience.com · www.cnet.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The material is intended to serve as a structural shell rather than a complete, airtight habitat. www.zmescience.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The material reached a compressive strength of approximately 10 to 12 megapascals in laboratory tests. www.zmescience.com · www.cnet.com