Artificial leaf-Microbes to live in space

Spacesuits-protect microbes destined to live in space

Scientists have created a unique system that pairs light-absorbing semiconductors with anaerobic bacteria to capture light and fix carbon dioxide like an artificial leaf. The bacteria turn carbon dioxide into chemicals useful in space colonies. The system mimics photosynthesis in plants. One problem is that the process generates reactive oxygen species that kill the bacteria. To shield them from damage, the researchers developed a 'spacesuit' of metal-organic framework (MOF)(a patchwork of mesh-like pieces called a metal-organic framework or MOF is impermeable to oxygen and reactive oxygen molecules, like peroxide, which shortens their lifespan) that extends the microbes' lifetimes to that seen in the wild.