About This Project
In this project, we are studying the possibility to mix cyanobacteria and algae to create a living bio-paint to help our cities get greener. It addresses urban challenges by capturing CO₂, producing oxygen, and purifying water. It uses a multi-layer hydrogel system for durability and functionality in diverse climates. Funding will support critical research, strain optimization, and prototype development to advance this transformative project toward real-world applications.
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
Urban areas are facing a critical challenge: rising CO₂ emissions, water scarcity, and deteriorating air quality due to rapid urbanization and climate change. Current solutions, such as carbon capture mechanisms [1] and solar panels, are either expensive, maintenance-heavy, or lack scalability. Our project aims to address these limitations by developing a bio-paint that, contrary to green walls [2] [3] and living paints, integrates genetically engineered microbes to capture CO₂, produce oxygen, and purify water. Using innovations in genetic engineering, hydrogels, and sustainable materials, we want to create a product using cyanobacteria [4] and algae that’s accessible, scalable, and eco-active for urban environments.
What is the significance of this project?
This project represents a novel approach to tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. By creating a bio-paint capable of actively purifying the air and capturing water, we are offering a multi-functional solution that can be applied to existing infrastructure. The significance lies in its potential to scale globally, improve urban air quality, reduce heat island effects, and mitigate climate change. Beyond environmental benefits, this project also encourages public engagement in sustainability through innovative technologies that integrate seamlessly into daily life. Through your funding and generous support, we will be able to collect data into how effective the combinations of cyanobacteria and algae are, and therefore launch this ecologically critical product sooner.
What are the goals of the project?
Our primary goals are:
- To develop and validate a bio-paint that integrates cyanobacteria and other microbes for CO₂ capture, oxygen generation, and water purification.
- To test the bio-paint’s resilience and effectiveness across various environments, including arid and urban areas.
- To create a scalable prototype with user-friendly application and maintenance processes.
- To encourage sustainability by offering a cost-effective solution for urban spaces that improves air quality and addresses water scarcity challenges.
- To inspire global innovation in eco-friendly building materials and advocate for their adoption.
Budget
Our project aims to develop a revolutionary biopaint capable of capturing CO₂, producing oxygen, and absorbing moisture from the environment. This aligns with global sustainability goals and addresses critical challenges such as air pollution, urban heat islands, and water scarcity. To achieve this, we will test and evaluate combinations of selected cyanobacteria and algae to identify the most effective pairings for incorporation into our paint system, and we need to raise funds to obtain these organisms for experiments.
Endorsed by
Project Timeline
This project is structured into key milestones that ensure progress, validate our methodology, and prepare for scalability. Over the next six months, we will focus on research, experimentation, prototype development, and field testing. Backers will receive regular updates on findings, challenges, and milestones achieved, along with a detailed final report and potential outcomes for large-scale implementation.
Sep 30, 2023
Team Created and Base Idea Formed
Nov 26, 2024
Receive Expert Feedback and Adapt Project
Dec 17, 2024
Project Launched
Dec 29, 2024
Get Cyanobacteria and Algae for Experiments
Jan 11, 2025
Microbial Testing Completed
Meet the Team
Team Bio
We are a dynamic international team of young innovators driven by a shared mission to combat climate change through cutting-edge bioengineering. Our team has people from countries like Turkey, Spain, US and Dubai. Our diverse backgrounds and passion for impactful solutions empower us to tackle global environmental challenges with creativity and determination.
Palma Bejarano
My name is Palma Bejarano Rey, and I am a 16-year-old student at Stanford Online High School with a strong passion for science, technology, and innovation. My academic and research journey spans diverse fields, including astrophysics, quantum physics, and bioengineering. I am currently a participant in the NASA Exoplanet Watch Program, managed by JPL, and have conducted research in cutting-edge areas such as exoplanet observation and sustainability-driven bioengineering.
I am also a TKS Velocity Innovator and a Villars Fellow, which has provided me with invaluable experiences in solving real-world problems through creative, interdisciplinary thinking. Additionally, I have been part of initiatives like the CTY Johns Hopkins and the NYAS Junior Academy, where I have honed my skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation.
Most recently, I have been focused on leading an ambitious project to develop H2Organic Paint, a bio-paint that leverages cyanobacteria to capture CO₂, produce oxygen, and purify water. This project embodies my commitment to creating sustainable solutions for global challenges such as urban air pollution and water scarcity.
I also collaborate in campaigns with international associations such as AnimaNaturalis and PETA for the protection of animal rights and environment.
Through my work, I aim to inspire meaningful change and show how young innovators can tackle some of humanity's most pressing problems. I am thrilled to bring my passion, skills, and experiences to this funding campaign and take the next step toward turning our vision into reality.
Thank you for your support in helping us pave the way toward a more sustainable future!
Begüm Yapıcı
In the realm of bioengineering, Begüm has developed groundbreaking projects, such as customizable self-repairing skin grafts using Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) and an AI-powered Nanobot Patch for Personalized Pain Management and Mental Resilience in Athletes. These projects highlight Begüm's passion for integrating biology and technology to solve real-world challenges. Their work has included exploring gene regulatory circuits, bacterial multicellular development, and CRISPR technology to enhance the scalability and functionality of ELM-based innovations. They are also delving into simulations to optimize large-scale applications of ELMs, including tissue engineering, self-healing scaffolds, and sustainable energy solutions for biological systems.
Lakshya Karnawat
My name is Lakshya Karnawat, and I am a high school student pursuing the IB diploma, passionate about problem-solving, technology, and impactful projects. I have a keen interest in mathematics, innovation, and leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address real-world challenges.
Most recently, I have been working on an exciting project to develop H2Organic Paint, an innovative bio-paint that utilizes cyanobacteria to address critical environmental issues. This paint is designed to capture CO₂, produce oxygen, and purify water, showcasing a practical and scalable solution to global challenges such as urban air pollution and water scarcity.
Through this project, I aim to demonstrate the potential of youth-led innovation to drive meaningful change and address humanity's most pressing problems. I am committed to inspiring others to think boldly and act decisively for a sustainable future.
Thank you for your support as I continue on this journey to turn ambitious ideas into impactful realities.
Saryu Bapatla
My name is Saryu Bapatla, and I am a 15 year old student attending Stanford Online High School. My passions lie in biology and neuroscience, and exploring their applications in cutting-edge research in bio-engineering.
I have partaken in numerous scientific competitions including the Lunar Lava Tube Habitat Challenge, being a member of the winning team in NASA Techrise, a two-year Martian Greenhouse project with presentations to conferences such as AIAA and the official Mars Society Conference. I also enjoy spending time learning more about biology, where I have participated in biotechnology lab experiences and various dissections that allow me to explore the implementations of biology in innovation.
Outside of this, I also enjoy singing, where I have been taking lessons, and involved in competitions and recitals for 10 years. I also love to sing, where I currently volunteer at a nursing home each week. In addition to this, I currently do martial arts for a total of 6 hours each week, and compete in tournaments every few months. I aim to make an impact in the world, through innovation and helping others. I am beyond excited to contribute to seeing our idea come to life, thank you very much for taking the time to explore our idea!
Atharva Mehra
Atharva Mehra is an accomplished innovator and aspiring aerospace engineer with a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, research, and academic excellence. A rising junior at GEMS Wellington International School, he seamlessly combines technical expertise with visionary leadership to address real-world challenges.
Atharva’s entrepreneurial achievements include winning multiple international competitions, where he showcased his ability to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions. His standout project, a patented drone-based ground-penetrating radar system, is designed for search and rescue missions, using advanced technology to locate individuals trapped beneath debris.
In research, Atharva has made significant strides, particularly in the field of nuclear energy. Currently, he is conducting nuclear research at MIT, exploring advanced energy solutions for aerospace applications. His academic pursuits also include completing a Stanford University course in physics, where he deepened his understanding of the principles driving modern engineering and technology.
Atharva is actively involved in aerospace innovation as a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) High School Student branch. He builds rockets in his free time, focusing on propulsion systems and design, and has authored three research papers, including one on nuclear batteries for aerospace applications.
A national champion in speech and debate, Atharva excels in communicating complex ideas and inspiring others. His leadership and ability to articulate technical concepts have positioned him as a mentor to peers and younger students.
Atharva’s achievements across entrepreneurship, research, and aerospace technology reflect his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. With a passion for creating transformative solutions, he is poised to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry and beyond.
Lab Notes
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Additional Information
This project is rooted in interdisciplinary collaboration, combining expertise in bioengineering, material science, and environmental sustainability. We are using tools like CRISPR and alginate-based hydrogels to optimize microbial survival and efficiency under real-world conditions. Our long-term vision is to integrate this technology into urban design standards, making sustainable building materials the norm, not the exception. We have a developed plan for the lab experiments.
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