Innovative Algae-Based Bioplastics Could Enable Sustainable Mars Habitats

In a groundbreaking study published in *Science Advances* on July 5, 2025, researchers from Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have unveiled a pioneering concept for sustainable habitats on Mars that utilizes bioplastics derived from algae. Led by Professor Robin Wordsworth, the research proposes a self-sustaining system where habitats are not only built but also grown using algae, which can produce the necessary bioplastic for habitat maintenance and expansion.

For decades, space exploration has relied on transporting traditional construction materials such as steel and concrete to other celestial bodies. However, Wordsworth’s team suggests that a paradigm shift is possible through bioengineering. "If you have a habitat composed of bioplastic and it grows algae within it, that algae could produce more bioplastic," Wordsworth stated. This closed-loop system could potentially allow habitats to thrive autonomously over time, reducing the need for Earth-based supplies.

Central to this innovative approach is the use of *Dunaliella tertiolecta*, a resilient species of green algae known for its applications in aquaculture and biofuel production. The researchers conducted experiments wherein they 3D-printed dome-shaped structures using polylactic acid (PLA), a widely used bioplastic derived from renewable plant materials. These PLA structures, only a millimeter thick, demonstrated strength sufficient to withstand the low atmospheric pressure found on Mars, approximately 600 pascals, which is more than a hundred times lower than Earth's.

In laboratory settings, the algae were exposed to a carbon-dioxide-rich environment enhanced by artificial sunlight, facilitating photosynthesis and growth. Results indicated that after ten days, the algal cell counts in low-pressure environments were comparable to those in normal Earth conditions, confirming the feasibility of life in such harsh conditions. Furthermore, the PLA walls effectively shielded the algae from harmful ultraviolet radiation, allowing necessary wavelengths for photosynthesis while blocking UV-C and much of UV-A and UV-B radiation.

The implications of this research extend beyond Mars. Wordsworth emphasized that similar bioplastic habitats could be applicable on the Moon, in free-floating space stations, or even in extreme environments on Earth. "The concept of biomaterial habitats is fundamentally interesting and can support humans living in space," he noted.

As the team looks ahead, they plan to explore whether the algae-PLA system can function in a vacuum, essential for lunar applications. This would verify the potential for a self-sustaining ecosystem without reliance on external resources. The development of these bioplastic habitats could yield significant advancements in sustainability technologies, both in space and on Earth, aligning with NASA's growing interest in in-situ resource utilization strategies.

However, several challenges remain. Mars experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, and ensuring liquid water would require advanced insulation and heating mechanisms. Additionally, the presence of toxic perchlorate salts in Martian soil poses a risk to the algae, necessitating robust filtration systems or genetically engineered microbes capable of thriving in such conditions. Furthermore, maintaining gas exchange within the habitats will be crucial to prevent desiccation and ensure adequate humidity levels.

In conclusion, this study not only highlights the potential for algae-based bioplastics to revolutionize habitat construction on Mars but also underscores their possible applications in creating sustainable ecosystems on Earth. As humanity prepares for future space exploration, innovations like these could pave the way for self-sustaining life beyond our planet while imparting valuable lessons for sustainable practices on Earth.

The study invites further research and experimentation to transition from small-scale laboratory proofs to full-scale pilot structures, potentially leading to habitats that offer a glimpse into the future of life on Mars and beyond.

For more information on this study, please refer to the full publication in *Science Advances*, and stay tuned for upcoming developments in this exciting area of research.