Published at Apr 22, 2026
Author: Anna Matuszyńska
We are pleased to announce our latest publication on a proof-of-concept for integrating photobioreactors directly into standard window frames as a retrofit strategy for existing buildings.
Retrofitting the existing building stock is a central challenge in sustainable urban transformation. While green technologies are often incorporated into new construction, their integration into existing infrastructure remains limited by cost, space, and structural constraints.
In this study, we explore an alternative approach: embedding flat-panel photobioreactors into conventional window frames. These systems cultivate photosynthetic microorganisms capable of fixing CO₂, turning passive building elements into biologically active components.
We designed and installed a modular prototype directly into a window opening at RWTH Aachen University without structural modification. The system demonstrated that cyanobacteria can be cultivated under realistic indoor conditions.
At the same time, the study highlights key challenges for future development, including contamination, suboptimal growth conditions, and mechanical stability.
The work was carried out by an interdisciplinary team spanning biology, engineering, and computational sciences and was supported by the Sustainability Research Fund at RWTH Aachen University.
Authors: Frederic Radzio, Tim Nies, Lisa Fürtauer, Lars Lauterbach, Anna Matuszyńska
Journal: Frontiers in Built Environment (2026)
Link: article