Photosynthetic textile biocomposites: Using laboratory testing and digital fabrication to develop flexible living building materials

Abstract

Urban development and the construction industry account for a considerable proportion of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Emerging biological materials, such as those proposed in this paper, seek to utilize the metabolic functions of living microorganisms to reduce some of the negative impacts of humans on the environment. The material explorations demonstrated in this paper propose a living photosynthetic carbon capture textile for the built environment. We demonstrate making practices that integrate living microorganisms within experimental methods of digital fabrication; specifically, harnessing photosynthetic microalgae that feed on waste and are capable of sequestering CO2 from internal building settings. These new biocomposites incorporate flexible textile substrates, i.e. cotton, hessian, polyester, and canvas, which provide a range of algae laden matrices that continue to develop and change during the useful part of the material’s lifecycle. This paper explores biological 3D printing fabrication processes and studies the development of mixtures that are compatible with the fabrication method and support microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) metabolic processes. A range of incubation methods are assessed, highlighting the need for a support environment. The biocomposites’ performance is tested using imaging pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry (Imaging-PAM) to investigate changes in microalgae chlorophyll fluorescence over a 14 day period.

Towards Refining Bio-Inspired Hydro-Actuated Building Facades by Emphasising the Importance of Hybrid Adaptability

“…In this regard, they tested an array of flexible, textile-based microalgae bio-composites that could be integrated into the internal fabric of the built environment (Figure 5C). Generally, they compared four textile types (cotton, hessian, polyester, and canvas) and a range of matrices that contain living algae and demonstrated that microalgae (chlorella vulgaris) can be cultivated in a minimal moisture environment in a range of matrices and on a variety of textiles that lend themselves to a range of potential applications within the building fabric [42]. textile material and demonstrated that a green species of microalgae can be cultivated in a moisture environment in a range of matrices and on a variety of textiles that can have different applications.…”

A Review on Bioinks and their Application in Plant Bioprinting

“…To create the foundation of the bio-gel matrix, at room temperature, kappa-carrageenan (from >99.9% pure powder) has been added to a dilution series of BG11 (Blue-Green medium with the full strength of 75%, 50%, and 25% dilution) and mixed[ 131 ].…”

“…After achieving a gel-like consistency, C. vulgaris was added to the solution, which is then mixed until it was completely homogenous, after which Aloe Vera was added. For chitosan treatments, chitosan powder (food grade) has been dissolved in a dilution series of BG11 after the addition of acetic acid (0.3 mL/10 mL) to the solution[ 131 ]. Once the final solution is gel-like in consistency and all components are homogenous, printing can begin.…”

“…The original study aims were to create a novel type of biological material fabricated using digital 3D printing methods and investigate the progression of this material in terms of cell development and migration, thereby demonstrating live behavior not typically associated with materials used in the construction industry. The findings suggested that living textile materials would require a certain maintenance schedule to prevent sudden moisture evaporation, which could result in cell death and matrix flaking[ 131 ].…”