Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, led by Professor Qiu Jishen, have developed a bio-based construction material. The mixture consists of genetically modified yeast, gelatin hydrogel, and sand or other granular particles.
The team tested the material in a climate chamber simulating Martian conditions at 0.01 atmospheres and -30 °C. The substance is designed for 3D printing, aiming to reduce the need for heavy equipment and energy consumption during construction on the planet.
According to the researchers, solar panels can generate enough energy to produce one cubic meter of the material in less than an hour. In contrast, sintering Martian regolith into a solid block would require several days of energy-intensive processing.
Currently, producing one cubic meter of the material requires several tens of kilograms of raw materials delivered from Earth. Gelatin accounts for 70–80% of this mass, with the remainder consisting of yeast nutrient media.
Scientists aim to eventually synthesize organic components directly on Mars using carbon dioxide, methane, and water ice. The technology is also being considered for building remote research stations in Antarctica to lower logistics costs.
