Researchers at Harvard University have demonstrated the potential for cultivating green algae within bioplastic shelters designed to replicate Martian conditions. This innovative approach aims to establish sustainable habitats on Mars without relying on materials transported from Earth.
The team, led by Professor Robin Wordsworth, conducted experiments using 3D-printed growth chambers made from polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable bioplastic. These chambers were engineered to block harmful ultraviolet radiation while allowing sufficient light for photosynthesis. Inside these structures, the algae *Dunaliella tertiolecta* thrived under atmospheric pressures and carbon dioxide concentrations similar to those on Mars.
By utilizing bioplastics and algae, the researchers envision a closed-loop system where algae produce more bioplastic, potentially leading to self-sustaining habitats. This method contrasts with traditional approaches that depend on transporting industrial materials from Earth, offering a more sustainable solution for extraterrestrial colonization.
While the study presents promising advancements, it also raises ethical considerations. The introduction of Earth-based life forms to other planets could pose risks to potential native ecosystems. Experts emphasize the importance of thorough research and international collaboration to address these concerns and ensure responsible exploration of extraterrestrial environments.
The findings, published in *Science Advances*, represent a significant step toward creating renewable systems for maintaining life in space. The researchers plan to further test these habitats under vacuum conditions to assess their viability for lunar and deep-space applications.