Photosynthetic Living Material Captures CO₂: Two Bacterial Methods

Breathing Buildings: How Living Materials Are Revolutionizing Carbon Capture

<p>The race to combat climate change is fueling a wave of innovation, and at the forefront are living materials that actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This isn't science fiction; it's happening now, thanks to pioneering research that combines biology and engineering. This article explores the exciting potential of these technologies and what they could mean for the future of our built environment.</p>

<h3>The Power of Photosynthetic Bacteria</h3>

<p>At the heart of this revolution are photosynthetic bacteria, specifically cyanobacteria. These microscopic marvels convert CO₂ into biomass and solid minerals through photosynthesis. Researchers are ingeniously incorporating these bacteria into building materials, effectively turning structures into carbon sinks. Imagine buildings that not only provide shelter but also actively clean the air.</p>

<div class="article-gallery lightGallery">
    <div data-thumb="https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/tmb/2025/photosynthetic-living.jpg" data-src="https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2025/photosynthetic-living.jpg" data-sub-html="Picoplanktonics shows large-format objects made of photosynthetic structures. Credit: Valentina Mori/ Biennale di Venezia">
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            <img src="https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2025/photosynthetic-living.jpg" alt="Photosynthetic living material uses bacteria to capture CO₂ in two different ways" title="Picoplanktonics shows large-format objects made of photosynthetic structures. Credit: Valentina Mori/ Biennale di Venezia" width="800" height="530"/>
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                Picoplanktonics shows large-format objects made of photosynthetic structures. Credit: Valentina Mori/ Biennale di Venezia
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<p>One of the key advantages of this approach is "dual carbon sequestration," as highlighted in a recent study in *Nature Communications*. The material not only captures CO₂ through biomass growth but also stores it in stable mineral forms, increasing its long-term effectiveness.
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<p>The research, spearheaded by ETH Zurich, shows that these innovative living materials can be 3D-printed, requiring only sunlight, seawater nutrients, and CO₂ to thrive. This makes them potentially very sustainable.</p>

<h3>Building a Sustainable Future: 3D-Printed Structures</h3>

<p>The use of 3D printing offers incredible flexibility, enabling the creation of complex structures optimized for carbon capture. The cyanobacteria are embedded within a hydrogel, a gel-like material that allows light, CO₂, and nutrients to pass through.</p>

<div class="article-gallery lightGallery">
    <div data-thumb="https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/tmb/2025/a-building-material-th-1.jpg" data-src="https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2025/a-building-material-th-1.jpg" data-sub-html="Digital fabrication of photosynthetic living structures for dual carbon sequestration. Credit: &lt;i&gt;Nature Communications&lt;/i&gt; (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58761-y">
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            <img src="https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2025/a-building-material-th-1.jpg" alt="A building material that lives and stores carbon" title="Digital fabrication of photosynthetic living structures for dual carbon sequestration. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58761-y"/>
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                Digital fabrication of photosynthetic living structures for dual carbon sequestration. Credit: <i>Nature Communications</i> (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58761-y
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<p>The hydrogel is designed to allow the cyanobacteria to spread evenly. The design promotes light penetration and passively distributes nutrients. Thanks to this design, the encapsulated cyanobacteria lived productively for more than a year.</p>

<p><b>Did you know?</b> The mineral formation process within the material also reinforces it structurally. As the bacteria create minerals, the building material itself becomes stronger over time.</p>

<h3>Real-World Applications: From Art Installations to Building Facades</h3>

<p>The potential of living materials isn't confined to the lab. It's already making waves in the art and design worlds. The Picoplanktonics installation, showcased at the Architecture Biennale in Venice, demonstrates the aesthetic possibilities of these bio-integrated designs. The project built two tree-trunk-like objects using the photosynthetic living structures, which can capture up to 18 kg of CO₂ per year each, similar to what a 20-year-old pine tree can do.
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<p>Another project, Dafne's Skin, explored the potential of living materials for future building envelopes. The material is a collaboration between MAEID Studio and Dalia Dranseike and is part of the exhibition "We the Bacteria: Notes Toward Biotic Architecture". The material is a deep green patina on wooden shingles, and it changes the wood over time.</p>

<p><b>Pro tip:</b> Keep an eye on the development of these materials. They're rapidly evolving, and early adopters will be at the forefront of sustainable design.</p>

<div class="article-gallery lightGallery">
    <div data-thumb="https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/tmb/2025/a-building-material-th.jpg" data-src="https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2025/a-building-material-th.jpg" data-sub-html="3D-printed &quot;pineapple&quot; with cyanobacteria growing inside after a development period of 60 days. The green colour comes from the chlorophyll of the photosynthetic bacteria. Credit: Yifan Cui / ETH Zurich">
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            <img src="https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2025/a-building-material-th.jpg" alt="A building material that lives and stores carbon" title="3D-printed &quot;pineapple&quot; with cyanobacteria growing inside after a development period of 60 days. The green colour comes from the chlorophyll of the photosynthetic bacteria. Credit: Yifan Cui / ETH Zurich"/>
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                3D-printed "pineapple" with cyanobacteria growing inside after a development period of 60 days. The green colour comes from the chlorophyll of the photosynthetic bacteria. Credit: Yifan Cui / ETH Zurich
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<p>Researchers are also exploring the use of these materials as coatings for building facades. Imagine entire buildings actively absorbing CO₂ throughout their lifespan! This could revolutionize the construction industry and significantly reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
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<h3>FAQ: Your Questions Answered</h3>

<p><b>Q: How effective are these materials at removing carbon dioxide?</b><br>
    A: Laboratory tests show that the material continuously binds CO₂ over a long period, storing around 26 milligrams of CO₂ per gram of material.
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<p><b>Q: Are these materials sustainable?</b><br>
    A: Yes! They use readily available resources (sunlight, water, CO₂, nutrients) and can potentially reduce the need for conventional building materials.</p>

<p><b>Q: What are the main challenges?</b><br>
    A: Scaling up production and ensuring long-term stability and performance are ongoing challenges.</p>

<p><b>Q: Where can I read more?</b><br>
A: You can read the full study in *Nature Communications* - <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58761-y" target="_blank">Photosynthetic living material.</a>
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<p><b>Q: Are there any other potential benefits?</b><br>
    A: Besides CO₂ capture, these materials could improve air quality and even produce valuable byproducts.</p>

<p><b>Q: How can these living materials be used?</b><br>
    A: The living materials can be used as coatings for building facades, to help store CO₂ throughout the entire life cycle of a building.</p>

<p><b>Q: Who is leading the research?</b><br>
    A: Research is being led by a team at ETH Zurich.
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<p><b>Q: Where have these projects been showcased?</b><br>
    A: These projects have been showcased at the Architecture Biennale in Venice and the Triennale di Milano.</p>

Q: What can I do to support this technology?
A: Stay informed. Follow the progress of research and support companies and initiatives working on these innovative solutions.

<p><b>Q: What is the future outlook?</b><br>
A: The future outlook is positive. Researchers are developing these sustainable living materials and using them to change how we live and build.
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