NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Scientists from the University of Surrey have developed a fundamentally new bio-coating, “Green Living Paint”, which contains bacteria that live in the desert and are capable of releasing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide.
Known as Chroococcidiopsis cubana, these bacteria live in extreme environments such as deserts and even the ocean floor. Using their unique photosynthetic abilities, researchers have created a durable and environmentally friendly paint that could have implications for both space travel and sustainable development on Earth.
Need for Innovative and Sustainable Materials
With growing concerns about increasing greenhouse gas emissions and water scarcity, there is a dire need for innovative and sustainable materials. Bacteriologist Susie Hingley-Wilson emphasizes that green solutions such as Green Living Paint can help solve these problems by reducing water consumption in bioreactor processes.
The bio-coating not only reduces carbon dioxide levels, but also releases measurable amounts of oxygen every day.
Need for Innovative and Eco-Friendly Materials
With growing concerns about increasing greenhouse gas emissions and water shortages, there is an urgent need for innovative and eco-friendly materials. Bacteriologist Susie Hingley-Wilson emphasizes that green solutions such as Green Living Paint can help solve these problems by reducing water consumption in bioreactor processes.
The bio-coating not only reduces carbon dioxide levels, but also releases measurable amounts of oxygen every day.
Resilience of Chroococcidiopsis cubana
Chroococcidiopsis cubana is an amazing bacterium that can survive in the harshest conditions. It has been discovered in ultra-deep caves and on the ocean floor, indicating its adaptability and resilience.
This bacterium uses a unique form of photosynthesis that allows it to survive even in extremely low light conditions. Its ability to fix carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release oxygen makes it an ideal candidate for bio-coating.
Developing a Mechanically Strong Biocoating
Developing a strong and durable biocoating has presented a number of challenges.
The coating must be porous to allow hydration and cell transport while remaining mechanically strong.
Scientists at the University of Surrey achieved this by mixing latex with nanoclay particles, resulting in a matrix that reliably encapsulates bacteria. This method ensured that the bacteria in the paint survived and functioned optimally.
Measuring oxygen release and carbon dioxide uptake
To verify the effectiveness of Green Living Paint, the researchers monitored the bio-coating for 30 days, measuring oxygen production and carbon dioxide absorption.
The results were promising: the paint consistently released up to 0.4 g of oxygen per gram of biomass per day.
This means approximately 400 grams (14 ounces) of oxygen for every kilogram (35 ounces) of paint. In addition, the paint successfully absorbs carbon dioxide, which further increases its environmental benefits.
Implications for spaceflight and sustainability efforts
The development of Green Living Paint has significant implications for spaceflight and habitat sustainability. With plans to colonize Mars, the ability to clean the air and reduce carbon dioxide levels is critical.
Incorporating this bio-coating into Mars habitats could be a sustainable solution for maintaining a habitable environment.
In addition, this technology can also find application on Earth, where reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving air quality are pressing issues.
“With increasing levels of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2, in the atmosphere and concerns about water shortages due to rising global temperatures, we need innovative, eco-friendly and sustainable materials.” – Susie Hingley-Wilson, University of Surrey
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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