The bio-materials group have been exploring various biopolymer-mineral hybrid materials as relatively green alternatives to concrete and ceramics. They collected mussels from Salford quays and carbonated limestone ash from a disused quarry to try and produce materials made from sequestered carbon dioxide in the form of carbonate minerals. This has been explored in a makeshift laboratory that scientist Aled Roberts had previously set up in his basement to explore the potential of using astronaut blood to make building material on the Moon or Mars. They have also developed new ideas for materials through public workshops.