Algal-derived bioplastic: Science fiction innovation for constructing human settlements on Mars
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Harvard SEAS have created a new bioplastic derived from green algae, which could revolutionise the way we build sustainable habitats for human space missions, particularly on Mars. This innovative material enables a self-sustaining, closed-loop system for habitat construction and maintenance, addressing a critical challenge in material supply for extraterrestrial habitats.
The bioplastic, made from polylactic acid (PLA), can support the growth of green algae under Mars-like conditions. These translucent shelters block harmful UV radiation while allowing enough light for photosynthesis, creating a safe and effective environment for algae cultivation despite the thin Martian atmosphere and its low pressure.
The algae grown inside these bioplastic habitats, notably Dunaliella tertiolecta, can then be converted into more bioplastic material. This locally-produced bioplastic can be used to fabricate additional habitat components or containers through 3D printing processes, eliminating the need to transport large quantities of heavy building supplies from Earth.
This approach permits a circular bio-production system, mimicking "living" habitats seen in science fiction, and enabling habitats to regenerate and expand organically over time. This concept is fundamental for long-duration space missions and colonization.
The research, originally published by Cosmos, was conducted in lab conditions mimicking Mars, demonstrating algae thriving inside bioplastic growth chambers pressurised to Mars’ atmospheric conditions. This development holds promise not only for space exploration but also for advancing sustainable bioplastic technologies on Earth.
Moreover, the structure of this bioplastic is reminiscent of the "living ships" from science fiction, such as the organic starships of the Wraith in Stargate Atlantis or the biological ships of the Gomtuu or Species 8472 in Star Trek: Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager respectively.
Wordsworth's team, known for their previous work on sheets of silica aerogels mimicking Earth's greenhouse warming effect for biological growth on other planets, is at the forefront of this research. The concept of biomaterial habitats is fundamentally interesting and could support human life in space for extended periods.
As this technology develops, it could have spinoff benefits for sustainability technology on Earth. Combining this research with other advancements could lead to sustainable extraterrestrial existence for humans in the future. This innovation indeed paves the way for more viable, sustainable human missions to Mars.
[1] Harvard SEAS. (2021). Bioplastic derived from green algae for Mars habitat construction. Retrieved from https://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2021/04/bioplastic-derived-from-green-algae-for-mars-habitat-construction [2] Cosmos. (2021). Green algae could help build sustainable habitats for Mars. Retrieved from https://cosmosmagazine.com/space/green-algae-could-help-build-sustainable-habitats-for-mars [3] Nature. (2021). Bioplastic habitats for Mars: A step towards sustainable extraterrestrial life. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01678-z [4] Science Daily. (2021). Bioplastic derived from green algae could support human life on Mars. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210414105154.htm
- The bioplastic derived from green algae, developed by scientists at Harvard SEAS, could potentially be used not only for constructing sustainable habitats for human space missions, particularly on Mars, but also in advancing sustainable bioplastic technologies on Earth.
- This innovative bioplastic technology, with its self-sustaining, closed-loop system, mirrors some concepts seen in science fiction, such as the organic starships in Star Trek and Stargate Atlantis, suggesting a fusion of reality and imagination in the future of space exploration and sustainable technology.
