Swiss Scientists Develop Photosynthetic Material Sucking Atmospheric CO2

Scientists and researchers are advancing innovative approaches to enhance carbon capture and improve photosynthesis efficiency for climate change mitigation and agricultural benefits. In Switzerland, a new 3D-printed "living" material embedded with blue-green algae can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and solid carbonate minerals, strengthening the material itself and potentially enabling buildings to sequester atmospheric CO2 directly. Complementing this, Australian researchers are exploring fungal endophyte inoculants that promote carbon flow into soil, improving soil health and crop yields while reducing fertilizer dependence. Additionally, bioengineering efforts in tobacco plants have accelerated responses to natural shading, boosting photosynthesis and crop productivity by approximately 15%, a method potentially applicable across many food crops. Furthering these efforts, two new research groups at the Max Planck Society are developing artificial enzymes and adapted cyanobacteria to make photosynthesis more efficient and scalable for carbon capture, aiming to integrate captured carbon into sustainable products within a circular economy. Together, these advancements reflect a multifaceted scientific push to harness biological processes for effective carbon sequestration and enhanced agricultural productivity.