Genetically Engineered Yeast Could Build the First Martian Outposts

A research team led by Ning Liu at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has developed a method to build structural materials on Mars using genetically modified yeast. The technique, called Engineered Living Building Material (ELBM), uses local sand, gelatin, and yeast to create a bio-composite that can be used for Martian habitats. The yeast is genetically modified to act as a structural glue, with three key modifications: Mussel Foot Proteins, SpyTag/SpyCatcher system, and anti-freeze proteins. The material is self-sustaining, using the Martian vacuum to cure instead of requiring water, which is unavailable on Mars. The material has compressive strength of around 12 MPa and flexural strength of 6 MPa, making it suitable for withstanding dust storms. The method uses significantly less energy than traditional sintering, which is crucial for early human infrastructure on Mars. The material is also recyclable, which is beneficial when materials are scarce. The researchers tested the material by warming it to 45℃ to recast it, and the yeast cells survived the freeze-drying cycle. However, the material is porous and requires an internal membrane to hold air inside habitats. The material still requires gelatin, which must be made on Earth and shipped, limiting its use. The technique offers a new approach to building on Mars, but it is not yet ready for actual construction.

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