Using 3D technology, scientists have made fabric from algae. The material made from the plant has various applications, such as making biodegradable clothes and artificial leaves that produce oxygen in space colonies.
Process of making algae fabric
Researchers made the algae fabric from both living and non-living components. It can conduct photosynthesis and it is robust. Because it is also eco-friendly, it has the potential to help reduce the toxic chemicals used by industries along with lowering carbon emissions.
To create the fabric, researchers began with cellulose, an organic compound produced by bacteria. The characteristics of cellulose include flexibility, robustness and rigidity as well as retaining its shape even after being crushed. Scientists then added algae to the cellulose with the aid of a 3-D printer.
Combining algae and cellulose led scientists to develop a substance with algae’s photosynthetic ability and cellulose’s strength. As a result, it could feed itself by using available sunlight to make nutrients and regenerate from growing a small sample.
Applications of the algae fabric
The fabric’s unique abilities make it a good candidate for many applications, making artificial leaves being one of them. These leaves can convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. They store energy as glucose, which the leaves then transform into fuel. It could enable the growing of plants in hostile environments such as outer space. Unlike most artificial leaves, they do not produce toxic chemicals.
The researchers made sure to use eco-friendly compounds in their production.
Another application of the algae fabric would be to make skin grafts to heal wounds. The oxygen that it produces would help begin the healing process of an injury. It might also carry out light-activated healing.
Industries would produce clothes made from algae; thus, it could help address the adverse effects of synthetic textiles associated with the fashion industry. The clothes will be produced sustainably and won’t need users to wash them as frequently as synthetic fabric hence lowering water consumption.
Dr. Marie-Eve from Delft University says that the fabric is promising since it can go several days without water and nutrients. Scientists can also use the material as a seed for growing new living materials.
