Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel construction material capable of both capturing carbon dioxide and repairing itself over time, pointing to a new direction for low-emission building design. The innovation combines biological processes with engineered materials, offering a potential alternative to conventional, carbon-intensive construction methods.
At the core of the technology are cyanobacteria – microorganisms that use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into energy.
The research team has embedded these microbes within a 3D-printed hydrogel structure, creating an environment in which they can survive and continuously mineralize carbon. As this process unfolds, the material gradually strengthens, effectively improving its structural properties over time.
Turning Buildings into Carbon Sinks
The built environment is a major contributor to global emissions, driven largely by cement and concrete production. By contrast, this new material actively removes carbon from the atmosphere during its lifecycle, shifting buildings from passive emitters to potential carbon sinks.
The concept was first presented publicly at an architecture exhibition in Venice in 2025, with further findings detailed in a 2026 study published in Nature Communications. Together, these milestones highlight growing interest in biologically integrated design approaches.
Unlike traditional materials, the hydrogel-based system supports ongoing biological activity. As cyanobacteria continue to photosynthesize, they contribute to a mineralization process that locks carbon into a stable form while enhancing durability.
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This dual function, carbon capture and self-repair, addresses two key challenges in sustainable construction.
Looking ahead, the research team is working to improve the material’s long-term performance and scalability. Areas of focus include increasing microbial efficiency and ensuring a consistent nutrient supply to sustain biological activity over extended periods.
While still at an early stage, the development signals a broader shift toward materials that integrate living systems into infrastructure. If successfully scaled, such approaches could play a role in reducing emissions from construction while introducing new functionalities into the built environment.
Read more: Using Seawater And Electricity, Scientists Create A New Carbon-Negative Building Material
