Application of microorganisms in concrete: a promising sustainable strategy to improve concrete durability

Abstract

The beneficial effect of microbially induced carbonate precipitation on building materials has been gradually disclosed in the last decade. After the first applications of on historical stones, promising results were obtained with the respect of improved durability. An extensive study then followed on the application of this environmentally friendly and compatible material on a currently widely used construction material, concrete. This review is focused on the discussion of the impact of the two main applications, bacterial surface treatment and bacteria based crack repair, on concrete durability. Special attention was paid to the choice of suitable bacteria and the metabolic pathway aiming at their functionality in concrete environment. Interactions between bacterial cells and cementitious matrix were also elaborated. Furthermore, recommendations to improve the effectiveness of bacterial treatment are provided. Limitations of current studies, updated applications and future application perspectives are shortly outlined.

Microbe‐Mediated Extracellular and Intracellular Mineralization: Environmental, Industrial, and Biotechnological Applications

“…Considering that bacteria range from 1 to 4 µm in sizes, there is a reasonable chance that they will undergo lysis after compression during cement hydration. [ 296 ] Current research focuses on the use of microencapsulation techniques for protecting bacteria and bacteria spores that are incorporated in concretes designed for self‐healing over lengthy periods. [ 297,298 ]…”

Applicability of bacterial biocementation in sustainable construction materials

“…7H 2 O, 0.27-g CaCl 2 , 0.5-g KH 2 PO 4 distilled water 100 mL) in order to screen its urease producing ability. [2] Optimization procedure and experimental design Investigation of factors affecting urease production Initial screening was carried out to find the best source of carbon (glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, starch and mannitol) and nitrogen (beef extract, yeast extract, peptone, casein, ammonium sulfate and sodium nitrate); those have stimulatory impact on urease production along with incubation time (12-144 h), temperature (25-65°C) and pH (6)(7)(8)(9)(10).The inoculum concentration was also varied from 5 × 10 6 cells mL À1 to 5 × 10 9 cells mL À1 . This was followed by employing the PB design to screen significant factors among all which affect the production of urease in B. megaterium SS3.…”

“…[4,5] MICCP technology has emerged as a promising alternative solution for various applications in civil engineering. [3,6] This technology has immense benefits compared to conventional chemicals because of its eco-friendly, selfhealing nature and production from cheap renewable and recyclable materials. The promising results on restoration of cement mortar cubes, reduction of water and chloride ion permeability in concrete, remediation of cracks in concrete, sand consolidation and limestone monument repair, increase in strength of red bricks have been proved by number of researchers.…”

Self-Healing of Concrete Cracks by Ceramsite-Loaded Microorganisms

“…When the cracks form, bacterial spores are exposed to moisture and air. en, the spores will rejuvenate and produce minerals, which mostly appear as calcium carbonate, to seal the cracks [1,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Meanwhile, the negatively charged cell walls can chelate cations, which makes bacteria cells to act as the nucleation sites of precipitation products.…”