Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have created an innovative material suitable for constructing buildings on Mars. This material was obtained by mixing yeast, gelatin, and sand.
They were able to 3D print the resulting mixture under conditions that simulate the Martian environment, specifically at reduced temperature and pressure. During this process, water rapidly freezes and then undergoes sublimation, leading to the formation of numerous micropores within the structure. Gelatin forms a light framework that supports the yeast cells.
After complete drying, the material demonstrates the necessary strength. Furthermore, the yeast can be extracted from the finished product, multiplied in a specialized bioreactor, and reused in construction.
The results of this scientific work were officially presented in the publication Chem Circularity.