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Scientists create living building material that captures CO₂ from the air

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an astonishing new material: a printable gel that’s alive. Infused with ancient cyanobacteria, this "photosynthetic living material" not only grows but also removes CO₂ from the air, twice over. The bacteria use sunlight to produce biomass and simultaneously trigger mineral formation, which locks carbon away in a stable form. Engineered hydrogels provide an ideal habitat for these microbes, allowing them to thrive for over a year. Even more captivating, this material has already made its way into architecture, with living installations showcased in Venice and Milan that merge design, sustainability, and living science.

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