Bio-Concrete and Its Self-Healing Capacity to Next-generation Sustainable Architecture: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Concrete is commonly used as a foundation material in the construction sector. It's been around for over two centuries, and it looks like it'll keep being the material of choice for construction for the foreseeable future. Structural materials, long-term degradation creates microcracks which increases permeability and eventually lead to failure. Moreover, the identification and remediation of these fissures provide a formidable challenge, as they jeopardize the integrity and longevity of concrete buildings, particularly those subject to rigorous sealing criteria. Cement manufacturing and widespread usage both contribute to climate imbalance, with the former responsible for 5–7% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Biotechnology provides a viable alternative by allowing the culture of bacteria to produce calcium carbonate, a key ingredient in cement. Biomineralization and crystallization processes play a crucial role in the synthesis and transportation of concrete-compatible chemicals, enabling their delivery to fissure within concrete structures. This review paper discusses a methodology for advancing sustainable architecture in the future, utilizing the adaptable metabolic processes of microorganisms as a foundation. This involves integrating microbial technologies and materials created by microorganisms into the field of built environment design and construction. Currently, there is a growing presence in the market of innovative materials such as Bio-cement, which exhibit lower levels of embodied carbon compared to traditional materials. Furthermore, it discusses advancements in the synthesis and optimization of bio-concrete to address challenges in energy efficiency, structural integrity, and lifecycle performance. By bridging sustainability goals with cutting-edge technology, bio-concrete emerges as a cornerstone for resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure, laying the foundation for innovative architectural paradigms.