O2

H+

H+

H+

H+

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

ALGAE

MODULAR / PROGRAMMABLE / ECOSYSTEM

BRICKLIAR

BIOMASS

ANODE

CATH

ODE

SUNLIGHT

Photobioreactor

LIAR Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)

PEM

cyanobacteria

Synthetic Metabolic pathwaysPit/Pkk: Inorganic Phosphates / PolyP accumulationNirS/NorB/NosZ: Nitrogen oxides removalRhlAB: RhamnolipidsCphA: CyanophicinsSwrW: SerrawettingIsoB: Biofuel

P. putida

organic matter

an ‘ecological unit’ for the ‘ecological era’ where reality is viewed as a hyper-

complex and interconnected open system with constant fluxes of energy and matter

LIAR Synthetic Microbial Consortia (SMC)

LIAR ‘Metabolic App’ type 2

(Biofertilizer)

Interchangeable Labour Moduleseach is a “metabolic app” that

performs a specific task

polluted air / water

pollu

ted

air /

wat

er

LABOURMODULE

carbon &energy

(sucrose)

bacterial biomass rich in biosurfactantsphosphates suitable to be used as biodetergent

FARMMODULE

E. coli

LIAR exploits one experimental and two well established bioreactor-platforms as its foundational technologies. Standard principles of both Photobioreactor and Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) are adopted by LIAR and combined into a single sequential hybrid bioreactor system. Furthermore, LIAR develops a Synthetic Module Consortia (SMC) that will work synergistically, but separately from the new LIAR MFC. During operation, both systems together, will polish wastewater, generate oxygen, electrical power and potentially usable biomass (fertiliser).

LIAR envisages the design of a Synthetic Microbial Consortia (SMC) composed of two types of modules:

(1) a cyanobacterial-based farm module exposed to the facade. The farm module will supply easily metabolised carbon as an energy source for the labour module.and(2) bacterial-heterotrophic-based labour module(s), placed in the interior of the building. LIAR develops at least two different and interchangeable labour module(s), also called ‘metabolic app(s).‘ Each are capable of performing a target biotechnological function and add value to the whole system. A set of related synthetic metabolic pathways when introduced into the workhorse strains (E. coli, P. putida) constitute a specific „metabolic app.“

Both farm module and labour-type module(s) are amenable to Systems metabolic engineering. Using synthetic biology, the design and optimisation of different and unrelated functions are allowed, including phosphate cleaning and NOx-removal from gray water and polluted air, as well as the production of biodetergents and biofertilizers using just CO2 and sunlight. LIAR envisions the design of a large set of highly customizable Labour Modules to be used in the home to add value to domestic waste.

MFCs are bioelectrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of organic feedstock into electricity, via the metabolic processes of microorganisms, which act as biocatalysts.

MFCs consist of two compartments, the anode and the cathode separated by a proton -exchange membrane (PEM). In the anode chamber, bacteria anaerobically oxidize the organic substrate (fuel) generating electrons and releasing protons. The electrons travel via an external circuit and the protons flow through the PEM, to recombine at the cathode, and react with oxygen (oxidising agent) to produce water. Oxygen is potentially the most effective electron acceptor for a MFC due to its high redox potential, availability, low cost and zero chemical waste products (the only by -product being water).

It is proven that algae can thrive in a MFC cathodic environment, photosynthesise and produce oxygen as a by product. The photosynthetically evolved oxygen is utilised at the cathode to enhance the oxygen-reduction-reaction, for improved power generation and longevity.

O2

H+

H+

H+

H+

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

CO2

ALGAE

MODULAR / PROGRAMMABLE / ECOSYSTEM

BRICKLIAR

BIOMASS

ANODE

CATH

ODE

SUNLIGHT

Photobioreactor

LIAR Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC)

PEM

cyanobacteria

Synthetic Metabolic pathwaysPit/Pkk: Inorganic Phosphates / PolyP accumulationNirS/NorB/NosZ: Nitrogen oxides removalRhlAB: RhamnolipidsCphA: CyanophicinsSwrW: SerrawettingIsoB: Biofuel

P. putida

organic matter

an ‘ecological unit’ for the ‘ecological era’ where reality is viewed as a hyper-

complex and interconnected open system with constant fluxes of energy and matter

LIAR Synthetic Microbial Consortia (SMC)

LIAR ‘Metabolic App’ type 2

(Biofertilizer)

Interchangeable Labour Moduleseach is a “metabolic app” that

performs a specific task

polluted air / water

pollu

ted

air /

wat

er

LABOURMODULE

carbon &energy

(sucrose)

bacterial biomass rich in biosurfactantsphosphates suitable to be used as biodetergent

FARMMODULE

E. coli

LIAR exploits one experimental and two well established bioreactor-platforms as its foundational technologies. Standard principles of both Photobioreactor and Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) are adopted by LIAR and combined into a single sequential hybrid bioreactor system. Furthermore, LIAR develops a Synthetic Module Consortia (SMC) that will work synergistically, but separately from the new LIAR MFC. During operation, both systems together, will polish wastewater, generate oxygen, electrical power and potentially usable biomass (fertiliser).

LIAR envisages the design of a Synthetic Microbial Consortia (SMC) composed of two types of modules:

(1) a cyanobacterial-based farm module exposed to the facade. The farm module will supply easily metabolised carbon as an energy source for the labour module.and(2) bacterial-heterotrophic-based labour module(s), placed in the interior of the building. LIAR develops at least two different and interchangeable labour module(s), also called ‘metabolic app(s).‘ Each are capable of performing a target biotechnological function and add value to the whole system. A set of related synthetic metabolic pathways when introduced into the workhorse strains (E. coli, P. putida) constitute a specific „metabolic app.“

Both farm module and labour-type module(s) are amenable to Systems metabolic engineering. Using synthetic biology, the design and optimisation of different and unrelated functions are allowed, including phosphate cleaning and NOx-removal from gray water and polluted air, as well as the production of biodetergents and biofertilizers using just CO2 and sunlight. LIAR envisions the design of a large set of highly customizable Labour Modules to be used in the home to add value to domestic waste.

MFCs are bioelectrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of organic feedstock into electricity, via the metabolic processes of microorganisms, which act as biocatalysts.

MFCs consist of two compartments, the anode and the cathode separated by a proton -exchange membrane (PEM). In the anode chamber, bacteria anaerobically oxidize the organic substrate (fuel) generating electrons and releasing protons. The electrons travel via an external circuit and the protons flow through the PEM, to recombine at the cathode, and react with oxygen (oxidising agent) to produce water. Oxygen is potentially the most effective electron acceptor for a MFC due to its high redox potential, availability, low cost and zero chemical waste products (the only by -product being water).

It is proven that algae can thrive in a MFC cathodic environment, photosynthesise and produce oxygen as a by product. The photosynthetically evolved oxygen is utilised at the cathode to enhance the oxygen-reduction-reaction, for improved power generation and longevity.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme

This project has received funding from the Euro-pean Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration

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photos (above): MOONWALK Consortium Subsea Marseilles Simulations: COMEX 2016

photos (right top to bottom): LIQUIFER Systems Group 2016, Bruno Stuben-rauch 2016, Bruno Stubenrauch 2016, LIQUIFER Systems Group 2016

Microbial Fuel Cell

Synthetic Microbial Consortia

rendering: LIQUIFER Systems Group

diagrams: LIQUIFER Systems Group

photo: Bruno Stubenrauch 2016

LIQUIFER Systems Group GmbH, office@liquifer.com Obere Donaustrasse 97-99/1/62

1020 Vienna, Austria, +43 1 2188505

SYSTEMS GROUPLIQUIFER

Engineering – Technology – Simulation – Architecture and design Artistic and design research – Systems design – Prototyping

MOONWALK Human-Robot Collaboration

2013-2016MOONWALK developed innovative simulation technol-ogies for cooperative human-robot space exploration. Operational scenarios were carried out in subsea Mar-seilles, France and in Rio Tinto, Spain in order to test a new Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) suit, research tools, an assistant rover and an innovative Human-Machine-Inter-face (HMI) for human-to-robot communication. LIQUIFER partnered with six other European research institutions and companies in the development of MOONWALK.

www.projectmoonwalk.net

SYSTEMS GROUPA trans-disciplinary platform engaged in

designing our future on earth and in space

LIQUIFERMEDUSA from subsea to the Moon /Mars

2012-present

GrAB Growing As Building

2013-2015The arts-based research project looked at growth patterns and dynamics found with-in nature and applied them to architecture with the goal of creating a new living ar-chitecture. The aim of project GrAB was to develop architectural concepts for growing structures. LIQUIFER collaborated with biolo-gists, architects, artists and robotics experts in the development of GrAB. Funded by the Austrian Science Fund

www.growingasbuilding.org

CITY AS A SPACESHIP On-going architectural, scientific explora-tory project for future living in our cities

Sampling Tools

Pantograph Sampling Tool

Astronaut Rescue Tool

Foldable Pick-Up Claw

Astronaut Tether Control

LIVING ARCHITECTUREtransforming our habitats from inert spaces into programmable sites

2016-2019Living Architecture is a selectively-programmable bioreactor developed as a customizable building component that can be incorporated into common building construction methods. The bioreactor comprises a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) and Synthetic Microbial Consortia (SMC) and is programmed to extract resources from building-generated waste and in turn, produce electricity and purify air and water. LIQUIFER is one of six partners in the project.

www.livingarchitecture-h2020.eu

MEDUSA is a concept design for a habitat with a life-support system and an EVA prepa-ration zone. It can be fully submerged underwater providing a partial gravity environ-ment for Moon and/or Mars mission simulations. The exterior structure is comprised of various segments. In addition to inflated sections, segments of the exterior shell can also include water-filled ‘windows’ and algae-filled compartments for generating nutrition supplements, oxygen and biomass. Funded in-house by LSG, COMEX, Delft University of Technology (A. Vermeulen)

Moon/Mars Mission SimulationHuman - Robot Collaboration

Scenario DevelopmentSemi-closed loop Systems

Urban EcologyBiomimetics

Algae-filled

Water-filled

SPACE-EARTH CONTINUUMwww.liquifer.com

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Sev-enth Framework Programme for research, technological develop-ment and demonstration

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme.

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photo: Bruno Stubenrauch / background image courtesy of NASA

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top and bottom renderings: LIQUIFER Systems Group

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plan: LIQUIFER Systems Groupphotos habitat exterior: Bruno Stubenrauch

photo: Bruno Stubenrauch, rendering: LSG

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SHEESelf-deployable Habitat for Extreme Environments

2013 - 2015A planetary habitat test-bed for analogue simulations, was designed and constructed to support a crew of two for two weeks. It is self-deployable and autonomous. LIQUIFER partnered with six other European research institutions and companies in the development of SHEE. SHEE was made available to the space research commu-nity in 2016.

www.shee.eu

RAMA Rover for Advanced Mission Applications

2007 – 2008The objective of this con-cept study was to design a pressurized rover for Lunar and Martian surface mis-sions. It supports a crew of two for a two-week mis-sion. The study was con-ducted as part of the ESA Architecture Studies.

LAVAHIVEOur future is cast in lava

2015LavaHive proposes the novel technique of constructing a modular habitat on Mars using readily available Martian regolith as building material and applying a combination of sin-tering and ‘lava-casting’ processes. The design also incorporates discarded spacecraft com-ponents. This was a cooperation between LIQUIFER and the European Space Agency (ESA). The project was awarded the 3rd prize in the NASA 3D printed habitat competition in 2015.

2011-2014To help prepare for future missions, project FASTER innovates the concept of Mars exploration by intro-ducing a pair of rovers working in tandem for the purpose of safer and faster traverse across the un-known Martian terrain. The project develops novel technologies and systems that are capable of esti-mating actual soil properties in real-time.LIQUIFER partnered with five other European re-search institutions and companies in the develop-ment of FASTER.

www.faster-fp7-space.eu

FASTER Forward Acquisition of Soil and Terrain for Exploration Rover

DEPLOYABLE GETAWAY for the office2008-2011Design and prototype development of a mobile, ergonomic and transformable ‘cocoon-like’ structure that employees may utilise during the workday to provide a place for regeneration or during periods of focused concentration in an open-plan office. Funding: Co-funded by Departure, The Creative Agency of the City of Vienna

EDEN-ISS Ground Demonstration of Plant Cultivation Technologies for Safe Food Production in Space

2015-2018The overall goal of the EDEN ISS project is to advance controlled-environment, agriculture technologies and procedures for safe food production within (semi-) closed systems. A mobile greenhouse facility is being built to demonstrate and validate different key tech-nologies. In October 2017 the facility will be tested, over the course of a year, at the Ger-man Neumayer III station in Antarctica. It is foreseen that it will provide year-round fresh food supplementation for the Neumayer Station III crew. It will be further developed for use on-board the International Space Sta-tion (ISS), Future Human Space Exploration Vehicles and Planetary Outposts.LIQUIFER partners with 12 other European re-search institutions and companies in the de-velopment of the EDEN-ISS project.

www.eden-iss.netREGOLIGHT Sintering Regolith with Solar Light

2015-2017Utililising the sun to solar sinter lunar regolith, hab-itable structures can be built on the moon’s surface paving the way for a permanant outpost. LIQUIFER along with three international companies and one research institution develop a novel printer that can produce a modular and interlocking building el-ement made of a regolith simulant. Additive-Layer Manufacturing technologies and methodologies are advanced and demonstrated in a vacuum chamber.

www.regolight.eu

ISS-SLEEP-KIT 2010 Feasibility study, design and prototype development of a sleeping bag for zero gravityco-funded by FFG-ASAP

Moon/Mars Mission SimulationIn-Situ Resource Utilisation

Transformable/Habitable StructuresLife Support Systems

RoboticsTrafficability

Additive-Layer ManufacturingIn-Situ Resource Utilisation

Scenario Development

Human FactorsHabitability

Semi-Closed Loop SystemInterior Farming

Cockpit

Suitport

HygieneFacility

External Tanks

TweelExternal Tanks

Docking Hatch

Sample Manipulation Lab

Galley

Robotic Arm

SPACE-EARTH CONTINUUM