Fascination Technology "Baked", Printed, Done— Architecture Made from Yeast

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In our "Fascination Technology" section, we present impressive projects from research and development to engineers every week. Today: 3D printing with yeast.

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) have developed a new, fully biobased material from a rather unusual ingredient: yeast. The material is produced using 3D printing and is intended for use in architectural and interior elements that have so far been made from non-renewable or fossil-based materials such as gypsum, plastic, or synthetic textiles.
The newly developed material consists of baker's yeast, cellulose fibers from wood, alginate from algae, plant-based glycerin, and water. Together, these components form a hydrogel—a soft, gel-like, and moldable material—that can be processed through 3D printing. Each component fulfills a specific function: the alginate stabilizes the printing process, the cellulose reinforces the structure and provides strength, and the glycerin acts as a plasticizer, ensuring flexibility. The yeast takes on the role of a binder between all components, giving the mixture the necessary viscosity.

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"I have always been interested in the combination of architecture and living materials. At its core, this research is about creating an architectural material entirely from organic, renewable components. By combining biomaterials with digital fabrication, we can develop new approaches for both the design and manufacturing of architectural elements," explains Małgorzata Zboińska, professor at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers University and leader of the study.

3D printing makes it possible to create complex shapes without waste. We can directly design and manufacture the material—with high control over shape, surface, and material distribution.

Yagmur Bektas

3D Printing with Yeast: How It Works

The process is as follows: The yeast is first heated to deactivate it. Then all the ingredients are mixed until a homogeneous paste is formed. This paste is filled into syringes, which apply the material at room temperature using a robotic arm. After printing, the component is dried until it takes on its final shape. "3D printing allows us to create complex shapes without waste. We can directly design and manufacture the material—with high control over shape, surface, and material distribution," says Yagmur Bektas, doctoral student and co-author of the study.Slight variations in the recipe allow the material properties to be altered. Transparency, surface texture, and color vary depending on the composition. By default, the material takes on natural shades ranging from yellow to brown, but natural pigments can be added, or yeast strains that produce color themselves can be used.

Additive manufacturing

Basic knowledge 3D printing

From Baking and Brewing to Building

The use of yeast as a material component in architecture has so far been scarcely researched. "Yeast grows exponentially, does not require strictly controlled environments, and is less susceptible to contamination. Since it consists of single-celled organisms, we can produce a more homogeneous and predictable material," explains Zboińska.A special aspect of the new formulation is that the yeast is not used for fermentation as usual but serves as biomass. This makes it a stable component that provides the material with volume, stability, and strength. Zboińska also highlights the potential of by-products from industries such as brewing or agriculture, as these often remain unused. Residues no longer suitable for food or animal feed could thus find application in architecture.

According to the team at Chalmers University (Sweden), these solutions are particularly suitable for interior construction. They could replace components currently made from plastic, gypsum, or synthetic textiles – such as partitions, blinds, or wall panels. However, the prospects go beyond this. Dr. Małgorzata Zboińska views so-called ELM (Engineered Living Materials) as the next step: "The future of ELM is very promising, with great potential for customization and the ability to fulfill very different functions. For example, self-healing materials or those that purify the air by neutralizing pollutants and impurities are conceivable."The study published in *Frontiers of Architectural Research* primarily opens up new possibilities at this stage. However, the team emphasizes that the evaluation of critical properties such as mechanical strength, fire behavior, or moisture resistance—as well as scaling the manufacturing process—is a fundamental requirement for further development of the project.