Martian biolith: A bioinspired regolith composite for closed-loop extraterrestrial manufacturing

Abstract

Given plans to revisit the lunar surface by the late 2020s and to take a crewed mission to Mars by the late 2030s, critical technologies must mature. In missions of extended duration, in situ resource utilization is necessary to both maximize scientific returns and minimize costs. While this present a significantly more complex challenge in the resource-starved environment of Mars, it is similar to the increasing need to develop resource-efficient and zero-waste ecosystems on Earth. Here, we make use of recent advances in the field of bioinspired chitinous manufacturing to develop a manufacturing technology to be used within the context of a minimal, artificial ecosystem that supports humans in a Martian environment.

Growth of the Radiotrophic FungusCladosporium sphaerospermumaboard the International Space Station and Effects of Ionizing Radiation

“…Another example of an enhanced, melanin-based radiation protection agent that is potentially bio-based is selenomelanin: it was found that under increased radiation, nanoparticles of the compound could efficiently protect cells against cell cycle changes 59 . In future, blends or layers of melanin with other materials, analogous to the concept of Martian ‘biolith’ 60 , may yield composites that more efficiently shield against cosmic rays. Advanced additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D bioprinting, may ultimately also allow the creation of smart ‘living composite’ materials that are adaptive, self-healing and largely autonomous 61 .…”

“…As a biological compound, natural melanin may be readily available through ISRU by means of biotechnology. In future, blends or layers of bio-derived melanin with other materials, analogous to the concept of Martian ‘biolith’ [61], may yield composites that more efficiently shield against radiation. This also opens the opportunity for melanin to be used as a constituent in fibrous composites for radiation shielding [62], to be used in textiles, such as EVA-suites or inflatable spacecraft and habitats.…”

Cultivation of the Dematiaceous Fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum Aboard the International Space Station and Effects of Ionizing Radiation

“…As a biological compound, natural melanin may be readily available through ISRU and producible by means of biotechnology (Martínez et al, 2019 ). To increase density, as well as for structural purposes, fungal biomass or melanin itself could be integrated with in situ resources that are abundant at the destination, such as regolith (Simonsen et al, 1991 ), analogous to the concept of Martian “biolith” (Shiwei et al, 2020 ). In a different application, layers of melanin could be applied to components, such as EVA-suites or inflatable spacecraft and infrastructure, as a constituent of fibrous composites (Blachowicz and Ehrmann, 2021 ), e.g., in textiles or as resin, to protect them from the surface damage caused by ultraviolet light.…”

Perspectives on Expanding the Repertoire of Novel Microbial Chitinases for Biological Control

“…Most recently, chitin and its sub-products have been massively studied, aiming at the development of a composite with low manufacturing requirements, ecological integration, and versatile utility for Mars colonization. These studies have demonstrated the high potential of chitin application in a wide range of industries, which demonstrates the high importance and possibilities for uncommon applications of this material . Also, this polysaccharide is an essential compound for the survival of various pests in world crops, because its degradation represents an important and specific target to reduce losses in the field and improve plantation yield .…”

“…These studies have demonstrated the high potential of chitin application in a wide range of industries, which demonstrates the high importance and possibilities for uncommon applications of this material. 12 Also, this polysaccharide is an essential compound for the survival of various pests in world crops, because its degradation represents an important and specific target to reduce losses in the field and improve plantation yield. 13 It is a structural component of the fungal cell wall but also in the eggshell of nematodes and the cutaneous and peritrophic matrix of insects (thin acellular sheath that lines the intestinal epithelium of most insects).…”