Technological watch

A method for producing a 3D biocomposite structure via additive manufacturing involves mixing a biomass comprising whole photosynthetic microorganisms with a liquid and at least one additive to form a paste, and using a 3D printer to print the paste to produce a wet organic-composite manufacture. The wet manufacture is then dried to produce a dry biocomposite structure. The photosynthetic microorganisms can be cultivated in a growing medium to form the biomass as part of a waste management process. The method can remove more carbon dioxide from the environment via sequestration of carbon in the biomass than it emits. The dry biocomposite structure can have a high flexural modulus and flexural strength and can be coated for a weather-resistant finish and/or assembled with other biocomposite structures to form a larger construction.