Researchers from Harvard have grown algae in bioplastics, mimicking a complex atmospheric composition of Martian.
Scientists from Harvard University have managed to grow algae inside the biodegradable plastic chamber, which operates conditions as closely as possible to Martian.
The results of the study were published in the journal Science Advances, according to space and phys.org.
The team is chaired by a climatologist and planet Robin Wordsworth. In the laboratory, scientists have created a special polymolic acid room – bioplasty, made from changing resources and completely decaying. Inside this room, they cultivated the algae of the species Dunaliella Tertiocta.
The camera is printed on a 3D printer and is designed to copy the Mars environment: low pressure (less than 1% of the soil) and increased CO₂ content. Despite severe conditions, algae not only survived, but also effectively performed fotosynthesis.
“If you have a medium made of bioplasty, and algae grows in it, then these algae can produce more bioplasty. Thus, a system with a closed cycle begins to form, which can support itself and even grow over time,” Wordsworth explained.
Bioplastics played a major role: he protects algae from harmful UV radiation, but at the same time missed the light required for fotosynthesis. In addition, engineers create a pressure gradient in the cell, which allows to maintain liquid water – though under ordinary martian conditions it is impossible.
In the future, bioplastics may be the basis for building a friendly environment, “living” structures on other planets. It can easily be made in place, which means it is not necessary to carry from the ground.
However, scientists emphasize: there are still many research ahead. It will take many years to create a stable extraterrestrial ecosystem, but these first successes have paved the way for autonomous life outside the planet.
Earlier it was reported that Sotheby’s auction house in New York was selling the largest of the largest of Martian Meteorite to be found on the ground.
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Source: korrespondent
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