| Apr 17, 2026 |
The completed BioSTEP project demonstrated how plant biomass and packaging waste can be converted into nanocellulose and biocomposites for future Moon and Mars missions.
(Nanowerk News) Long-term space missions to the Moon and Mars require sustainable resource utilization to overcome logistical challenges and reduce dependence on Earth resupply. Plant biomass offers multiple benefits, including food production, oxygen generation, and a source of (nano)cellulose for advanced applications.
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“Therefore, the BioSTEP project investigated the feasibility of producing nanocellulose and biocomposites from plant biomass and packaging sidestreams for space-based applications”, says Dr. Sophie Labonnote-Weber, CIRiS.
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The BioSTEP project “From plant biomass and sidestreams to tissue engineering and biocomposite production”, was carried out under a programme of, and funded by, the European Space Agency (ESA) (Disclaimer: The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency). The study was conducted by NTNU Samfunnsforskning, through its Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS) department, and RISE PFI during 2024 and 2025.
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| SEM image of the microstructure of plant biomass, exemplifying cellulose micro- and nanofibers. (Image: Courtesy of the researchers)
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The initial phase of the project focused on identifying and evaluating biomass and packaging materials suitable for conversion into nanocellulose and biocomposites. A wide range of crops relevant to space exploration were assessed based on their cellulose content, accessibility, and mission relevance. The most promising candidates for surface and transit space missions were identified based on their high cellulose yield and availability in shorter-duration cultivation cycles.
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In addition to plant biomass, packaging materials were examined as an additional resource stream. Viable candidates for recycling and upgrading into biocomposites were critically assessed.
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“This foundational assessment provided a clear direction for selecting feedstocks and sidestreams for further technological evaluation regarding nanocellulose for tissue engineering and 3D printing of biocomposite spare parts”, adds Dr. Gary Chinga Carrasco, RISE PFI.
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The final phase of the project consolidated previous findings into a technology roadmap, identifying key gaps and proposing development paths for off-Earth implementation. For both nanocellulose hydrogel and biocomposite production, the roadmaps recommend a simplified process, supporting ESA’s long-term vision for sustainable resource utilization and autonomous manufacturing in future transit and surface missions.
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Beyond space exploration, these findings also contribute knowledge relevant to terrestrial circular economy strategies, particularly where biomass valorisation, material reuse, and low waste manufacturing are key priorities.
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“These advancements not only enable resilient life-support systems but also pave the way for circular material flows in space missions and on Earth, reinforcing the broader goal of self-sufficiency in human exploration beyond Earth,” the researchers conclude.
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