Scientists invent photosynthetic ‘living’ material that sucks CO2 out of the atmosphere – Live Science

Development of a Living Building Material for Climate Change Mitigation

Introduction

Scientists in Switzerland have developed an innovative “living” material incorporating blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) with potential applications in sustainable construction. This material aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by offering a novel approach to carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration in buildings.

Material Composition and Functionality

The new material is photosynthetic due to the presence of cyanobacteria, which convert CO₂, sunlight, and water into oxygen and sugars, promoting biological growth. Additionally, in nutrient-rich conditions, the material transforms CO₂ into solid carbonate minerals such as limestone, creating a mineral lattice that enhances mechanical strength and stores carbon in a stable form.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Dual Carbon Storage: The material stores carbon both in biomass and mineral forms, increasing carbon sequestration efficiency.
2. Mechanical Strength: Mineralization provides structural integrity, making the material suitable for construction purposes.
3. Long-term CO₂ Sequestration: Demonstrated continuous CO₂ absorption over 400 days, with a sequestration rate of approximately 26 mg CO₂ per gram of material.
4. Environmental Impact: Offers a low-energy, environmentally friendly method to reduce atmospheric CO₂, supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Material Design and Testing

• The base is a 3D-printable porous hydrogel with high water content, allowing penetration of light, water, and CO₂ to sustain cyanobacteria.
• Various hydrogel geometries were tested to optimize cyanobacteria survival and photosynthetic efficiency.
• The material’s green coloration indicates active biomass growth and carbon storage.

Applications and Future Prospects

The researchers envision the material being used as a coating on building facades to directly absorb atmospheric CO₂. At an architectural exhibition in Venice, the material was showcased as tree trunk-like structures capable of absorbing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of CO₂ annually, comparable to a mature pine tree. This innovation supports SDG 11 by promoting sustainable urban environments.

Challenges and Research Directions

• Supplying essential nutrients such as calcium and magnesium for mineral precipitation remains a technical challenge, especially for building applications.
• Further research is required to develop nutrient delivery systems compatible with architectural integration.
• Genetic engineering of cyanobacteria may enhance photosynthetic rates, improving carbon capture efficiency.

Conclusion

This living material represents a promising, sustainable technology that integrates biological and mineral carbon sequestration mechanisms. By embedding this material in buildings, it could contribute significantly to reducing global CO₂ levels, advancing SDG 13 (Climate Action), while fostering innovation in sustainable infrastructure (SDG 9) and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

References

• Study published in Nature Communications, April 23, 2025.
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich research team.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses the development of a new “living” building material incorporating cyanobacteria, highlighting innovation in materials science and infrastructure.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The material could be used in buildings to reduce carbon emissions, contributing to sustainable urban development.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The primary focus is on carbon dioxide sequestration to fight climate change by capturing and storing CO₂ in buildings.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The material represents an environmentally friendly, low-energy approach to carbon sequestration, promoting sustainable production methods.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • By potentially reducing atmospheric CO₂, the material indirectly supports ecosystems and biodiversity conservation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. CO₂ Sequestration Rate
   • The article mentions the material sequestering approximately 26 milligrams of CO₂ per gram of material over 400 days, which can be used as an indicator of carbon capture efficiency.
2. Durability and Mechanical Strength of Material
   • The formation of a mineral lattice that strengthens the material over time indicates progress towards creating sustainable building materials.
3. Amount of CO₂ Absorbed Annually
   • The material’s potential to absorb up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of CO₂ per year, comparable to a 20-year-old pine tree, serves as a practical indicator of environmental impact.
4. Photosynthetic Activity and Biomass Growth
   • The green coloration and biomass accumulation in the material reflect photosynthetic efficiency and carbon storage capacity.
5. Energy Consumption
   • The article implies low-energy use in the carbon sequestration process, which could be measured to assess environmental sustainability.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: livescience.com