Israeli Researchers Develop Self-Healing 'Living Concrete' Using Engineered Bacteria
Researchers at Reichman University's Skolkovo Institute for Synthetic Biology are pioneering a revolutionary approach to construction with the development of "living concrete" made from genetically engineered bacteria. Dr. Ilana Kolodkin-Gal, a senior lecturer and researcher, explained that these bacteria can bind sand and other materials into a solid, durable substance that can self-repair cracks and even absorb carbon dioxide, unlike traditional concrete which releases significant amounts of CO2 during production and degrades over time.
The synthetic biology field, as described by Professor Yossi Sheham-Diamant, the institute's director, involves reprogramming microorganisms using engineering and computer science principles to perform specific functions. This living concrete not only repairs itself but also maintains a stable internal temperature and can even incorporate probiotic bacteria, according to Kolodkin-Gal. The team has successfully used these bacteria to solidify construction waste and even toxic materials like coal into a concrete-like substance while sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Adi Oshpa, a researcher and designer at the institute, highlighted the potential for scaling up these microorganism-based materials, noting that the process can yield human-visible results within days. The research involves genetically modifying bacteria to enhance their ability to form concrete-like structures under practical construction conditions, moving beyond laboratory mediums. The next phase involves testing these enhanced bacteria with construction waste and raw materials to determine the durability of the resulting concrete-like substance.
An accidental discovery during this research revealed that the bacteria used in the living concrete also possess the ability to prevent rust. Avihai-Haim Nahmi, a master's student, investigated this, finding that combining the institute's bacteria with specific marine microorganisms significantly enhances rust prevention, particularly in corrosive environments like seawater. This finding opens new research avenues for industries battling corrosion, such as shipbuilding.
Despite the scientific advancements, significant challenges remain, including patenting naturally occurring organisms and making the "living concrete" cost-competitive with traditional concrete, which is extremely inexpensive. The researchers aim to develop a material that is only slightly more expensive than conventional concrete within three years, offering substantial added value and potentially replacing non-load-bearing components in buildings. Kolodkin-Gal expressed a desire for future buildings constructed with this material to remain flawless for generations.
