In the quest to make Mars colonization a reality, scientists are turning to an unlikely ally: microbes. A recent perspective article published in *Frontiers in Microbiology* (translated from the original Italian, *Frontiers in Microbiology* means “Frontiers in Microbiology”) explores how biomineralization—nature’s way of creating minerals using living organisms—could revolutionize construction on the Red Planet. The research, led by Shiva Khoshtinat from the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta” at Politecnico di Milano in Milan, Italy, offers a promising alternative to traditional construction methods that are energy-intensive and logistically challenging.
Mars presents a unique set of challenges for construction. Transporting materials from Earth is prohibitively expensive and impractical, making in situ resource utilization (ISRU) a necessity. Khoshtinat and her team propose leveraging biomineralization, a process where microorganisms produce minerals that can bind materials together, creating durable structures. This method is not only low-energy but also sustainable, aligning with the constraints of Martian geochemistry.
“Biomineralization offers a flexible, scalable, and ISRU-compatible technology that could enable the construction of critical infrastructure on Mars,” Khoshtinat explains. “By using microbial consortia that support each other’s survival under Martian environmental stresses, we can create robust structures that are metabolically compatible with the planet’s geochemistry.”
The research evaluates the chemical composition of Martian regolith—the loose rock and dust covering the planet’s surface—and assesses its suitability for various biomineralization pathways. The focus is on identifying biological processes that can function as co-cultures, enhancing their resilience and effectiveness in the harsh Martian environment. The most promising microbial consortia for biocementation are proposed for future extraterrestrial construction applications.
One of the most exciting aspects of this research is the integration of robotics and automation in biocementation-based additive manufacturing. Advanced robotic systems equipped with multi-axis extrusion nozzles, sensor suites, and real-time flow control could construct structurally resilient geometries on Mars using locally available materials. This approach not only addresses the immediate need for infrastructure but also has the potential to produce valuable byproducts like oxygen and ammonia, essential for sustaining human life on Mars.
The implications of this research extend beyond Mars colonization. On Earth, biomineralization could offer a sustainable alternative to conventional construction methods, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. The energy sector, in particular, could benefit from the development of low-energy, ISRU-compatible technologies that can be applied to infrastructure projects in remote or challenging environments.
As we look to the future, the integration of biomineralization with robotics and automation could pave the way for a new era of construction, both on Earth and beyond. Khoshtinat’s research highlights the potential of this innovative approach, offering a glimpse into a future where microbes and technology work together to build the foundations of human exploration and settlement on Mars.
“This research represents a synergistic pathway toward sustainable human presence on Mars,” Khoshtinat concludes. “By harnessing the power of biomineralization, we can enable robotic fabrication of critical infrastructure from locally available materials, making Mars colonization a more achievable goal.”