Bengaluru soil bacteria could help build bricks on Mars: Study
The idea of establishing a human settlement on Mars has been a topic of interest for scientists and space agencies around the world. However, one of the major challenges in building structures on the red planet is the transportation of construction materials from Earth. The cost and logistical difficulties of transporting heavy materials over vast distances make it a daunting task. But what if we could use the Martian soil itself to build structures? A recent study by researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, and ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has found that a soil bacterium discovered in Bengaluru could hold the key to building bricks on Mars.
The study, published in PLOS One, explores the possibility of using microbes to bind Martian soil into strong bricks, reducing the need to transport construction materials from Earth. The research team discovered that a type of soil bacterium found in Bengaluru, known as Bacillus subtilis, can produce a type of protein that can bind soil particles together, creating a strong and stable brick-like structure.
The idea of using microbes to build structures is not new. Scientists have been exploring the use of microorganisms to create sustainable building materials for several years. However, the challenge lies in finding the right type of microbe that can thrive in the harsh Martian environment. The Martian soil, also known as regolith, is rich in perchlorates, which are toxic to most microorganisms. But the researchers found that the Bacillus subtilis bacterium is tolerant to perchlorates and can survive in the Martian soil.
The research team conducted a series of experiments to test the ability of the bacterium to bind Martian soil particles together. They used a simulated Martian soil, which mimicked the composition and properties of the real Martian regolith. The results showed that the bacterium can produce a type of protein that can bind the soil particles together, creating a strong and stable brick-like structure.
The bricks produced using the bacterium were found to be strong and durable, with a compressive strength of up to 10 MPa. This is comparable to the strength of bricks used in construction on Earth. The researchers also found that the bricks can withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from -20°C to 50°C, which is similar to the temperature range on Mars.
The use of microbes to build structures on Mars has several advantages. It eliminates the need to transport heavy construction materials from Earth, which reduces the cost and logistical challenges of building on the red planet. It also provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution, as the microbes can be grown and harvested on Mars itself.
The study has significant implications for future Mars missions. The use of microbes to build structures could provide a reliable and sustainable way to establish a human settlement on Mars. It could also enable the construction of infrastructure, such as habitats, life support systems, and radiation shielding, which are essential for human survival on the red planet.
The research team is now planning to conduct further studies to explore the potential of using microbes to build structures on Mars. They plan to conduct experiments on the International Space Station to test the ability of the bacterium to survive and thrive in microgravity. They also plan to collaborate with space agencies and industry partners to develop the technology for large-scale production of microbial bricks on Mars.
In conclusion, the discovery of a soil bacterium in Bengaluru that can help build bricks on Mars is a significant breakthrough in the field of space research. The use of microbes to build structures on Mars provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution, which could enable the establishment of a human settlement on the red planet. The study is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Indian scientists and researchers, who are making significant contributions to the field of space research.
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