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Harvard Grows Algae in Bioplastic Shelters Under Mars-Like Conditions

Researchers are preparing vacuum-environment trials to advance a self-sustaining bioplastic habitat system for deep-space use

Mars algae

Overview

  • The team cultivated Dunaliella tertiolecta inside 3D-printed polylactic acid chambers at 600 pascals with over 98% CO₂, achieving robust photosynthetic growth.
  • Bioplastic shelters generated internal pressure gradients that stabilized liquid water under Martian-like low pressures.
  • Translucent PLA structures blocked harmful UV radiation while admitting sufficient light for algae to photosynthesize.
  • Findings published July 2 in Science Advances build on Harvard SEAS’ earlier silica aerogel greenhouse research to tackle temperature and pressure challenges on Mars.
  • Researchers aim to design a fully functional closed-loop system in which algae continuously regenerate bioplastic feedstock to expand and repair extraterrestrial habitats.