Prediction of ultimate compressive strength for biopolymer-bound soil composites (BSC) using sliding wingtip crack analysis

Blood, Sweat and Tears: Extraterrestrial Regolith Biocomposites with in Vivo Binders

“…We demonstrate that bovine serum albumin (BSA) has similar properties to HSA as a regolith binder, suggesting that the serum albumin form other mammals would also suffice. BSA-based ERBs have been explored extensively by D. Loftus and co-workers; [11,[15][16][17][18] our work suggests that HSAbased biocomposites would have analogous properties. The presence of non-human mammals on a Lunar or Martian mission would bring its own significant challenges, summarised in Table S1, but may also provide benefits such as a psychological boost to the astronauts, as well as a supplemental source of food (eggs, milk, meat etc.)…”

“…A literature search revealed that extensive background work had already been undertaken by Loftus et al, who have evaluated the material properties of BSA-based ERBs (also termed biopolymer-bound soil composites, BSCs) in depth. [11,[15][16][17][18] The production of BSA in situ on a space mission would likely be problematic; either cows would have to be transported along with the crew and their blood plasma periodically harvestedor the BSA could be produced recombinantly (i.e., synthetically) through a bioreactor. [27] If the latter option were to be employed, it would be more sensible to produce a protein with superior mechanical properties or otherwise greater utility than BSA, such as synthetic spider silk, squid ring teeth proteins, mussel adhesive proteins or barnacle cement.…”

“…One significant factor which could be easily and reliably controlled was the binder-to-aggregate mass ratiowhich could be governed by initial protein solution concentration. [15] This factor was therefore investigated by fabricating a number of HSA-ERBs with protein concentrations ranging between 15 and 37.5 wt. %.…”

“…In order to benchmark and compare against the previous findings of Loftus et al, [11,[15][16][17][18] BSA-based ERBs employing a BSA concentration of 30 wt. % were also fabricated and tested.…”

“…distribution, void size and chemical composition [15,28,29]. Given the numerous challenges and constraints associated with extraterrestrial construction, pretreatment of extraterrestrial regolith should ideally be kept to a minimum.…”