A research team from Worcester Institute of Technology in the United States has developed a new type of negative carbon building material - Enzyme Structural Materials (ESM). This material is made through low-energy biomimetic technology and can actively absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). It is not only sturdy and durable, but also recyclable, which is expected to promote the transformation of the construction industry towards sustainable development. The relevant research results were published in the latest issue of the journal "Matter". The team uses specific enzymes to convert CO2 into solid mineral particles, which are then combined and solidified under mild conditions, allowing the material to take shape within a few hours. Compared with traditional concrete, ESM does not require high temperature curing or weeks of hardening time, resulting in faster production speed and significantly reduced negative environmental impact. The team stated that concrete, as the most widely used building material globally, generates approximately 8% of the world's total CO2 emissions during its production process. ESM, as a practical and scalable alternative material, can not only reduce carbon emissions but also actively sequester carbon. Producing 1 cubic meter of ESM can absorb over 6 kilograms of CO2, while traditional concrete of the same volume will emit approximately 330 kilograms of CO2. ESM has the characteristics of rapid solidification, adjustable strength, and recyclability, which are not only suitable for affordable housing and climate adaptive buildings, but also for disaster relief and reconstruction. Its lightweight and fast drying properties will accelerate the post disaster recovery process. Its excellent repair performance also helps to reduce long-term maintenance costs and significantly reduce the amount of construction waste entering landfills each year. ESM is produced based on low energy consumption and renewable biological materials, which also aligns with the development goals of global carbon neutral infrastructure and circular manufacturing. (New Society)