Algae-developed bioplastic Mars pressure test, red planets increase hopes for housing

In a major step for permanent space travel, researchers are able to successfully develop algae inside biodegradable bioplastic, which mimic the conditions of extreme martian atmosphere. The purpose of the experiment was to see how well the materials made of polytetic acid can keep the conditions on Mars, where the surface pressure is less than 1 percent of the Earth. This campaign is an important step towards the development of self -sufficient houses for the human part of the force, requiring regenerative biological systems instead of expensive rebirth mission from the Earth.

Bioplastic chambers thrive in conditions like algae Mars, paving route for space houses

according to a study Published In Science Advance, a research team led by Robin Wordsworth of Harvard University demonstrated that green algae Duneleela Turtiytele can not only survive, but can demonstrate photosynthesis inside the 3D-crushed chambers, which is an engineer to repeat the thin, carbon dioxide-rich environment of Mars. The bioplastic chamber protected algae from ultraviolet radiation, allowing sufficient light for biological activity. The liquid water was stabilized using a pressure shield within the chamber.

Researchers highlighted that bioplastic provide different benefits on traditional industrial.

Materials, which are difficult to recycle or transport in space. Since polylactic acid is obtained from natural sources, it can be potentially manufactured or revived on the site using algae-installing a self-sufficient loop. “If you have a habitat made of bioplastic and it grows algae within it, algae can produce more bioplastic,” Wordsworth said in a statement.

This is the latest experiment at the team’s earlier work that includes silica arogel that repeats the Earth’s greenhouse conditions. The team sees a viable path for long-term supernatural residence, combining algae-based bioplastic systems for material regeneration with aerogel for thermal and atmospheric control. In circumstances like Mars, the success of chambers confirms the possibility of using biologically citrus materials to support life beyond Earth.

In future experiments, those systems have to be tested in harsh vacuum conditions, eventually for the benefit of human spaceflight and with spinoff applications on Earth, Wordsworth said, which can have spinoff benefits for such technology.