Coral restoration could become easier and quicker with the use of 3D printing. As the technology matures, it could be used to rapidly and reliably create support structures for corals to grow on.

Coral reefs around the world are suffering from warming oceans and increasing pollution. Reef restoration efforts employ concrete blocks or metal frames as substrates for coral growth. The resulting restoration is slow because corals deposit their carbonate skeleton at a rate of just millimeters per year.

Click here to read the full story. ​​

Image: KAUST scientists are 3D printing bespoke calcium carbonate surfaces that corals can grow on, which may speed up coral restoration.
© 2021 KAUST; Anastasia Serin.