Duration: 18 months
In the context of space exploration, ISRU is paramount for future endeavours like Mars transit habitats. Plant biomass, rich in cellulose, is such a versatile reusable resource for various applications, including the creation of inks for 3D printing scaffolds for cell culturing. Nanocellulose fibres from biomass streams can offer unprecedented improvements of recycled thermoplastics when combined into biocomposites, providing enhanced flowability during melt-processing and mechanical strength of tailored 3D-printed spare parts. Also, the extraction of nanocellulose and other biopolymers and active compounds from plant or side-stream biomass holds the potential to produce hydrogels for applications like 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering. Research on the production and application of advanced biobased nanomaterials from plant biomass and side streams, including those derived from packaging, gains particular relevance for sustained plant cultivation in space. Performing a comprehensive system study to investigate the feasibility of implementing these processes in a space environment would constitute a novel and crucial aspect of advancing our understanding and capabilities in extraterrestrial agriculture. Hence, the project aims at a thorough review of existing waste streams against nanocellulose production from a chemical engineering and material standpoint. The evaluation will encompass Melissa lignocellulosic and spirulina biomasses to determine their suitability for e.g. wound dressing and tissue engineering applications, along with an assessment of available packaging materials for biocomposite manufacturing. The study further includes the identification and evaluation of terrestrial manufacturing technologies for nanocellulose and biocomposites, in terms of off-Earth manufacturing capabilities. This approach will facilitate the pinpointing of main technological gaps, allowing for the suggestion of potential development paths to bridge these gaps.
