Discover the breakthrough in construction with “living concrete” – structures that heal themselves using a biological technique inspired by the human body. Engineers at Drexel University introduce “biofiber” to reinforce concrete, leveraging bacteria to repair cracks autonomously. Read more on this innovative approach in construction. For the latest news and updates, visit DZWatch.net.
Living Concrete: A Bio-Inspired Marvel
In a scientific endeavor mirroring the regenerative properties of human skin, a team of researchers at Drexel University’s College of Engineering has pioneered a new concept of “living concrete.” Drawing inspiration from ancient practices where builders mixed horsehair into clay for enhanced structural integrity, this innovative approach takes it a step further.
The research team introduced “biofiber” – fibers coated with hydrogel carrying bacteria, along with a protective shell responsive to damage. Integrated into the concrete, these biofibers enhance its strength, prevent crack propagation, and enable self-repair. This groundbreaking development was reported in the “Construction and Building Materials” journal.
In a statement, lead researcher Amir Farnam, Associate Professor at Drexel University’s College of Engineering, expressed excitement about this advancement complementing ongoing efforts to improve building materials through nature-inspired innovation. Farnam highlighted the common issue of aging concrete structures requiring critical and costly repairs, envisioning a future where they can autonomously mend, akin to the natural healing of our skin.
Inspired by Nature
The researchers named the bacteria-loaded fibers “biofiber” and provided a detailed description of this system. The biofiber consists of polymer fibers covered with hydrogel carrying bacteria and a protective shell that responds to damage. This integrated network of living fibers improves the concrete’s durability, hinders crack growth, and facilitates self-repair.
The team worked with the bacterium “Lysinibacillus sphaericus,” known for its ability to induce the biogenic precipitation of calcium carbonate. This process creates a stone-like material within exposed cracks, stabilizing and hardening the concrete. The researchers found that when stimulated, these bacteria can survive harsh conditions within the concrete, remaining dormant until summoned for action.
Understanding Bacterial Spore Formation
The key to this innovation lies in the formation of internal spores, also known as “endospores.” When environmental conditions become unfavorable for bacterial growth, the bacterial cell undergoes asymmetric cell division, creating a smaller chamber known as the forespore within the original cell. The mother cell engulfs the forespore, forming a double membrane and providing nutrients and protection to the developing endospore.
The end result is a mature internal spore that remains dormant until conditions become favorable again. At that point, the mother cell disintegrates, releasing the internal spores into the environment. The exceptional flexibility of these internal spores allows them to withstand extreme conditions, making them highly effective survival mechanisms for certain bacteria.
The development of “living concrete” opens new avenues for sustainable and resilient construction, inspired by the intricate mechanisms found in nature. As we witness the transformative potential of self-healing structures, the future of construction holds exciting possibilities. Stay updated on the latest innovations at DZWatch.net.
