In a striking fusion of biology, materials science, and architecture, researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a living, photosynthetic material that could one day transform buildings into active carbon sinks.
The breakthrough comes from an interdisciplinary team led by Prof. Mark Tibbitt, who successfully embedded cyanobacteria—photosynthetic microorganisms—into a hydrogel. The result: a 3D-printable material that not only grows and strengthens over time but also actively captures carbon dioxide from the air.
This novel material, described in the journal Nature Communications, opens the door to buildings that store carbon instead of emitting it.
A Living Material That Grows and Captures CO₂
What sets this innovation apart is its dual carbon sequestration ability.
The living material grows organically by using light, water, and CO₂, much like a plant. But it goes further: the embedded cyanobacteria not only produce biomass through photosynthesis, but they also precipitate minerals—solid carbonates like lime—which lock away carbon in a stable, long-term form.
“These minerals make the material structurally stronger. They act as a more permanent carbon sink than biomass alone,” explains co-lead author Yifan Cui, a doctoral student in Tibbitt’s lab.
High-Performance Hydrogel Meets Microbial Engineering
At the heart of this invention is a carefully engineered hydrogel—a polymer-based, water-rich substance that mimics biological tissue. It provides an ideal habitat for the bacteria while allowing light, CO₂, and nutrients to circulate freely.
To further optimize the system, researchers used 3D printing to sculpt the gel into high-surface-area structures. This maximizes light exposure and enhances nutrient flow through capillary action.
The result? Structures continuously absorb CO₂ for over 400 days. They capture about 26 mg of CO₂ per gram of material. This performance outpaces many other bio-based approaches. It even competes with recycled concrete’s mineralization.
From Lab to Pavilion: Living Architecture Hits the Stage
While still experimental, ETH Zurich’s innovation has already taken physical form outside the lab. Andrea Shin Ling, a doctoral researcher and architect, helped scale the concept for public installations showcased at two major architecture events:
Picoplanktonics at the Venice Architecture Biennale
In the Canada Pavilion, 3-meter-tall, tree-trunk-like sculptures were printed using the photosynthetic material. Each structure can absorb up to 18 kg of CO₂ annually, rivaling the carbon absorption of a 20-year-old pine tree. The team maintains the installation daily, ensuring light, warmth, and humidity support bacterial life.
Dafne’s Skin at the Milan Triennale
A collaboration with materials researcher Dalia Dranseike, this installation explores how microbial growth can redefine building aesthetics. Here, microorganisms form a green patina on wood shingles. This transformation turns what might appear as decay into a design feature. It captures carbon and celebrates biotic processes.
A Vision for Carbon-Neutral Cities
Looking ahead, the ETH team envisions using the living material as façade coatings or structural elements in sustainable buildings. These biologically active surfaces could offset carbon emissions across the entire building lifecycle. They offer an elegant, low-energy complement to existing carbon capture technologies.
“By integrating biology into construction, we’re imagining a future where buildings behave more like ecosystems. They will be living, adapting, and contributing to climate resilience,” says Tibbitt.
The ALIVE Initiative: Engineering with Life
The project is part of ETH Zurich’s ALIVE (Advanced Engineering with Living Materials) initiative. This is a cross-disciplinary effort. Its goal is to create materials that interact with their environment. The broader goal? Develop technologies where microorganisms work in partnership with engineered systems, tackling challenges from pollution to structural resilience.
The Rise of Bioarchitecture
The fusion of biology and engineering is no longer a fantasy. From the lab bench to pavilions in Venice and Milan, living materials are starting to shape real-world spaces. ETH Zurich’s research marks a bold step toward carbon-negative architecture. In this concept, buildings are not just shelters. They are active, living allies in the fight against climate change.
