Scientists are developing a new method to repair damaged moon bricks using bacteria, which could be crucial for building and maintaining lunar outposts. A recent study found that adding a mixture of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria, guar gum, and regolith simulant can seal cracks in the bricks, restoring up to 54% of their original strength.
The research was conducted by researchers at India’s Indian Institute of Science (IISc), who have been experimenting with making bricks out of lunar regolith for years. The team found that using bacteria to produce calcium carbonate crystals and biopolymers can effectively bind the particles together, forming a solid seal.
However, the conditions on the moon are challenging, with extreme temperatures and bombardment by micrometeorites and cosmic rays. To overcome this, the researchers developed a new method to create a sealant that can fill in cracks and holes in the bricks.
The experiment involved applying damage to sintered bricks, which were then treated with a mixture of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria, guar gum, and regolith simulant. The team found that the bacteria produced biopolymers that allowed the mixture to bond with the brick, making it solid once again.
To further test this method, the researchers plan to send a sample of the bacteria into space as part of India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission. This would be the first experiment of its kind with this type of bacteria and could provide valuable insights into how the bacteria behave in extraterrestrial conditions.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/moon/how-bacteria-could-help-build-and-maintain-cities-on-the-moon