A Revolutionary Step Toward Greener Architecture
In a breakthrough that could transform the future of sustainable construction, researchers in Switzerland have developed a photosynthetic “living” material that can absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the atmosphere. This cutting-edge innovation, which integrates cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae), mimics natural photosynthesis and holds significant promise for eco-friendly architecture.
What Makes This Material “Alive”?
The core component of this new material is cyanobacteria, microorganisms that are among the oldest life forms on Earth. When embedded into a 3D-printed hydrogel, these bacteria can convert sunlight, CO₂, and water into oxygen and sugars through the process of photosynthesis—just like plants.
What sets this material apart is its ability not only to store CO₂ in the form of biomass, but also to transform it into solid carbonate minerals such as limestone. These minerals gradually form a rigid internal skeleton, strengthening the material while locking carbon in a stable, mineralized form.
“The material can store carbon not only as biomass but also as minerals—thanks to the unique traits of cyanobacteria,” said Marc Tibbitt, co-author and professor at ETH Zurich.
Continuous Carbon Capture Over 400 Days
In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers demonstrated the material’s ability to continuously absorb CO₂ over a 400-day period, capturing around 26 milligrams of CO₂ per gram of material. This performance significantly exceeds other known biological methods of carbon capture.
During this period, the material not only remained active but also became stiffer and greener, a sign of healthy bacterial growth and effective mineralization. It essentially evolved over time, enhancing its own structural integrity and carbon-storing capacity.
From Lab to Real-World Architecture
This isn’t just science fiction. The ETH Zurich team has already used the material in architectural prototypes, including installations resembling tree trunks. At the Venice Architecture Biennale, the researchers showcased two of these tree-like structures, each capable of absorbing up to 18 kilograms of CO₂ annually—equivalent to the carbon uptake of a 20-year-old pine tree.
The potential applications are vast. The material could one day serve as facade cladding for buildings, enabling structures to passively clean the air while standing tall. Importantly, its self-strengthening properties make it particularly appealing for the construction industry.
Engineering the Future of Sustainable Building
The material is built on a customizable hydrogel that’s 3D printed to allow optimal light, gas, and water penetration. Researchers tested various hydrogel geometries to find the ideal shape that supports the long-term survival of the cyanobacteria. They also bathed the structures in synthetic seawater, rich in magnesium and calcium, to encourage mineral precipitation.
“Cyanobacteria are incredibly efficient; they can generate biomass using even the weakest light,” noted Yifan Cui, a Ph.D. researcher involved in the study.
Further research will focus on how to incorporate essential nutrients like calcium and magnesium into commercial applications, such as facade panels or modular components for green buildings.
Conclusion: A Carbon-Capturing Material with Real-World Impact
This photosynthetic material marks a remarkable advancement in climate-conscious architecture. By harnessing the ancient power of cyanobacteria and embedding it in a modern hydrogel matrix, scientists have created a material that not only builds—but breathes.
As urban areas seek innovative solutions to combat climate change, this “living” material could become a cornerstone of carbon-neutral construction, offering a scalable, low-energy way to capture CO₂ directly from the air. With continued development, it might soon be possible to design buildings that don’t just consume energy—they clean the atmosphere.
