Biomimicry is not a novel concept in design and engineering, and in the last decade, there has been a rise in biotechnological research looking at implementing biomaterials in design – not just on Earth but also beyond. Living organisms, such as fungi, algae, and bacteria, have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional resources, especially in environments where these resources are lacking. Current research explores the application of biomaterials in space as they have the potential to sustain life, provide a safe and reliable environment, as well as improve crew efficiency and comfort in extreme extraterrestrial environments.
What are Biomaterials?
Biomaterials are materials derived from, or inspired by biological systems. They can be either natural (plant-based) or synthetic (engineered to mimic biological properties), and be made from living and non-living organisms (Van Ellen et al., 2024). In construction, biomaterials are considered sustainable as they can be grown, and are typically reusable, recyclable or biodegradable, offering a great alternative to traditional building materials (RIBA, 2021). Natural materials, like wood, are commonly used in construction on Earth, but they are not necessarily suitable for space use.
- So how to bring natural materials to space?
This is where components, such as algae, mycelium or bacteria come into place. These microorganisms can be easily transported and grown in outer space, offering great potential for space applications (Jemison & Olabisi, 2021).
As there is a wide range of biomaterials and their synthetics, this article only focuses on certain types that are at the forefront of current research and have the potential for space application.
The Case for Biomaterials in Space Exploration
Lunar and Martian environments present extreme challenges for human settlement due to the harsh conditions and the lack of resources. To survive, astronauts require life support systems, power generation, radiation protection, as well as materials for habitat construction. But transporting ready-made systems and structures from Earth face significant constraints – payload capacity limitation, huge costs, and substantial energy requirements.
Living organisms, therefore, offer an alternative solution to transportation challenges, as they can be transported as small components such as bacteria or spores. This dramatically reduces payload requirements while enabling the potential for full-scale development at the destination, as these biomaterials could grow in situ. Moreover, through synthetic biology, organisms like, for instance, Bacillus subtilis, can be bioengineered to produce a variety of other essential materials, effectively replacing the need to transport bulk materials (TEDx Talks, 2018).
Another important case for biomaterials lies in their unique properties. As of today, only a few types of biomaterials have been tested in space, but it has been proven that they can grow in microgravity, and survive while being exposed to radiation and extreme temperatures (Gaskill, 2022). Biomaterials also have self-replicating, self-healing and even self-assembly properties that significantly reduce the use of energy and resources (Van Ellen et al., 2024). These characteristics enable on-demand material production as well as easy maintenance procedures. Additionally, future solutions can also include currently emerging technologies like 3D cellular printing, unlocking the wide use of synthetic biomaterials in space.
Finally, beyond the ease of transportation and construction applications, biomaterials also offer diverse other uses. This includes supporting life support systems, energy generation, and various other processes essential for a successful space outpost. These diverse capabilities position biomaterials as a game-changing solution for sustainable habitats beyond Earth.
Examples of Biomaterial Types and Their Characteristics
01// Fungi-based materials (Mycelium)
Mycelium is the vegetative, root-like structure of fungi. It grows in moulds, forming durable, lightweight and insulating materials. In combination with local regolith, mycelium acts as a binding material. It was found that fungi can survive in space and adapt to the new environment. Melanie-rich fungi provide protection against radiation, and, in some cases, they absorb the radiation and use it as energy to fuel growth. Their self-repairing system allows them to restore and repair damaged areas, making this a great material for space habitat. Fungi are also capable of dissolving carbon-rich asteroids into soil to support food production (TED-Ed, 2024).
02// Algae-based materials
Algae are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of producing oxygen and biomass. They can be cultivated using minimal resources, and significantly contribute to the life support systems as they can be used for air revitalisation, water recycling and waste management. Another key characteristic is that they can help with food production and be a food supplement themselves (Niederwiser et al., 2018).
03// Cellulose (plant-based and bacteria-based materials)
Derived from plants, cellulose can be processed into composites for construction. But while cellulose is a basic structural material for most plants, it is also produced by bacteria. Bacterial cellulose is an organic compound produced by certain types of bacteria. These cellulose materials are strong, solid, lightweight, and stiffer than Kevlar (a synthetic fibre used as a protection layer against meteoroids and space debris).
04// Bacteria
Bacteria hold great potential in space applications due to their adaptability and versatility. Certain bacterial strains can be bioengineered to perform specific tasks, such as producing bioplastics, biofuels, and even building materials. They can also contribute to creating bio-concrete or biopolymers for construction purposes. Moreover, bacterial systems, like cyanobacteria, are being explored for use in life support systems, making them invaluable for long-term sustainability in space habitats (Verseux et al., 2016).
Applications of Biomaterials in Space
01// Construction and Manufacturing
Mycelium can be used as a building component to construct habitats. It can be used for wall insulation and radiation shielding, as well as for interior features and furniture. Biomaterials can also enable extraction and biological manufacturing processes, producing other synthetic living or non-living biocomposites (Van Ellen et al., 2024).
02// Maintenance
Structures built with biomaterials can be repaired in situ by growing replacement materials, ensuring long-term sustainability and adaptability.
03// Life Support Systems
The integration of biomaterials has the potential to create much-needed closed-loop life support systems, essential for long-term space missions. Current research looks at the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) (Vermeulen et al., 2023), as well as the use of cyanobacteria for the same purpose (Verseux et al., 2016).
04// Fuel Generation
Algae-based biofuels offer renewable energy options for powering habitats and spacecraft, reducing reliance on Earth-supplied fuel (Niederwieser et al.,2018).
05// Resource Utilisation
Biological processes can facilitate in situ resource utilisation (ISRU) – bioremediation and biomining can extract essential materials like minerals and volatiles from lunar or martian regolith (TED-Ed, 2024).
06// Food Production
Certain species of fungi as well as algae can be also used as food supplements (Van Ellen et al., 2024; Niederwieser et al., 2018). Moreover, bioengineered crops can grow in challenging conditions with limited space, water, and nutrients, while producing nutrient food for the crew. Synthetic biology techniques can further enhance food resilience in extreme environments.
07// Medicine and Health
Biomaterials can facilitate the production of pharmaceuticals to mitigate the effects of microgravity and combat radiation-induced damage. For instance, melanin-rich fungi species could provide radiation protection (Mattoon et al., 2021). Moreover, bioengineering medicines on demand for treating illnesses in space could revolutionise healthcare for astronauts.
08// Psychological Comfort
Finally, the presence of living organisms can offer some psychological comfort to inhabitants by creating familiar, responsive environments. The organic texture of those materials as well as plants also offer a multi-sensory experience, essentially improving mental well-being in isolated and confined environments.
Benefits and Challenges associated with Biomaterials
Biomaterials have a huge potential for sustainable space exploration and practical solutions. The key features are their lightweight, self-repairing, and multifunctional properties.
However, there are several challenges. To date, only a few types of biomaterials have been tested onboard (and outside) of the International Space Station – but they have not yet been used for their full potential, as they primarily supported research investigations rather than directly contributing to crew health or life support systems (Jemison & Olabisi, 2021). Additionally, introducing biomaterials and living organisms into extraterrestrial environments could conflict with Planetary Protection Protocols, raising ethical concerns about biological contamination.
Nonetheless, the advantages of biomaterials are undeniable, and if used wisely, they could revolutionise life beyond Earth.
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