Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a biopaint that embeds the bacterium Chroococcidiopsis cubana into a latex and clay nanoparticle matrix. This living coating binds carbon dioxide from the surrounding air and releases oxygen, functioning as a dynamic photosynthetic layer. The team published their findings in Microbiology Spectrum, signaling potential applications both on Earth and in the harsh conditions encountered on Mars.
Chroococcidiopsis cubana is known for its resilience in desert-like environments that mimic Martian landscapes. These microorganisms can endure extremely limited light and nutrient levels while maintaining photosynthetic activity, a trait that makes them suitable for protective coatings in space exploration contexts. The researchers explored how the microbe-enriched coating behaves under sustained operation, observing its performance over a full 30-day period.
In the study, the scientists created a safe habitat for the microbes inside a composite made from latex and clay nanoparticles. The design allows the bacteria to survive and function while they absorb carbon dioxide and generate oxygen. The long observation confirmed that the living coating maintains gas exchange and metabolic activity across an entire lunar month, highlighting the stability of the system.
The results showed that the living dye continuously releases oxygen at a rate of up to 0.4 grams per gram of biomass per day for the duration of the 30-day test. This steady output suggests the coating could play a role in reducing the demand for fresh water and other resources in bioreactor processes that depend on gas exchange and microbial metabolism.
According to Susie Hingley-Wilson, a bacteriologist involved in the work, mechanically robust, ready-to-use biological coatings offer a path to addressing resource concerns in settings where water is scarce and process efficiency is critical. The concept of living dyes blends bioactivity with material science, creating a versatile platform for sustainable gas management and potential life support systems beyond Earth.
Earlier research in related fields explored the use of tiny Wolffia algae to contribute to both food production and oxygen generation in extraterrestrial environments. That line of work laid groundwork for pursuing more durable, scalable coatings that can sustain microbial activity while meeting practical requirements for space missions and terrestrial industrial applications.