Microbiologist Heff Jonkers from Delft University of Technology developed a new form of concrete that can heal itself using bacteria. He named this new version of concrete as "Bio Concrete."
Concrete is the most widely used material for construction. However, it is highly prone to damage due to cracks which leads to water seepage eventually leading to the formation of rust in the steel foundation bars. Ultimately, it leads to the collapse of the structure as a whole.
Speaking to CNN, Jonkers remarks that he first came across this idea after a conversation with a Concrete Technologist back in 2006. The duo discussed about ways to incorporate bacteria in the alkaline environment of concrete.
Later Jonkers decided to use Bacillus bacteria for this purpose. It not only possesses the capability to survive in alkaline conditions but also produces sphores which can survive for a long time without food and oxygen. He chose Calcium Lactate as the source of protein for the bacteria and housed it along with the bacteria in capsules. These capsules were then mixed with wet concrete.
The bacteria become active only in case of development of cracks which allows the water to enter the capsules hence, rendering them open. This leads to the germination of bacteria that reproduce and feed on the lactate. Eventually, this helps in the formation of Limestone which repairs the cracks.
However, presenting an alternate view of the situation, the Voice of Vignan remarks that this process should not be used on a large scale owing to the high cost of cement.
Moreover, due to the large quantity of Carbon Dioxide generated during this process it serves as a potential hazard for the already fragile environment.