Cyanobacteria-Enabled Building Material Captures Carbon and Gains Strength Over Time

Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zürich) reveal a fascinating innovation: a hybrid material that integrates cyanobacteria to capture carbon dioxide while growing stronger over time—a promising advance for sustainable architecture and climate action.

How Cyanobacteria Turn CO₂ into Solid Minerals for Durable Storage

Dating back more than three billion years, cyanobacteria continue to fascinate scientists with their extraordinary longevity. Indeed, their biological efficiency remains exceptional and widely studied. Through natural photosynthesis, they transform carbon dioxide into oxygen and into organic matter useful for other biological processes.

However, their potential does not stop there and opens up surprising perspectives. In addition to this fundamental role, these microorganisms trigger a mineralization of carbon. Thus, CO₂ becomes part of a solid structure close to limestone, enabling durable and far more stable storage over time.

A 3D-Printed Hydrogel Optimizes Light, Water, and CO₂ to Support Cyanobacteria Activity

To exploit this capacity, the ETH Zurich researchers designed a support perfectly tailored to these organisms. Specifically, it is a porous 3D-printed hydrogel. It effectively enhances the circulation of light, water, and carbon dioxide—essential elements for their activity.

Moreover, this material acts as a living matrix that is particularly well conceived. Through its internal structure, the cyanobacteria stay active longer and under better conditions. They continue to capture carbon, making the system autonomous, stable, and durable.

Additionally, tests conducted over more than 400 days clearly confirm its robustness over time. Indeed, the device preserves its properties with no notable degradation. This duration demonstrates that the long-term biological performance is real and applicable in real-world conditions.

High Carbon Sequestration Performance Through Continuous and Measurable Mineralization

The results clearly surpass those of traditional biological methods used so far. In practice, the material demonstrates a notably high carbon sequestration capacity when measured in mineralized form, capturing around 26 milligrams of CO₂ per gram—a substantial yield.

Furthermore, this efficiency rests on a particularly clever complementary mechanism. When biological growth slows naturally, mineralization takes over. Thus, uninterrupted carbon capture is maintained over time in a progressive fashion.

Finally, this mode of action offers a unique advantage in the field of innovative materials. By accumulating mineral deposits, the material becomes progressively stronger over time. It develops a mechanical resilience that evolves in step with its internal activity.

Towards Active Facades Capable of Capturing CO₂ and Strengthening Buildings Over Time

In the building sector, the prospects appear particularly promising and tangible. Researchers envision large-scale facade applications. This material could enable an active capture of atmospheric CO₂, turning surfaces into functional components of buildings.

In fact, prototypes were showcased in Venice at a recent architecture exhibition. Inspired by natural forms, they attracted significant attention from professionals. Each module can absorb up to 18 kilograms of CO₂ per year, the equivalent of a mature tree.

Over the longer term, this innovation could profoundly transform modern sustainable construction. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study opens up concrete new perspectives. It highlights a high-performing bio-inspired architecture capable of acting directly on the climate.