Researchers have found another way to combine biology and construction, and it's changing the way we design and build sustainable structures. Scientists at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology have developed a material made from sand and bacteria that can self-repair small cracks, extend the lifespan of buildings and reduce the need for maintenance. This process also reduces waste and reduces the environmental impact of construction.
According to SciTechDaily, the key is cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, which use photosynthesis to produce the common mineral calcium carbonate. When added to sand-based mixtures, it creates a hardenable material that strengthens itself while absorbing carbon dioxide.
This method, presented in the Cambridge University Press journal Research Directions: Biotechnology Design, uses “additive co-fabrication,” a process in which bacteria and sand are layered and built up to create structures using advanced tools such as robots.
The new biomaterial could transform the construction industry, which is responsible for nearly 40% of the world's carbon pollution. Traditional materials like concrete rely on resource-intensive production, but this new technique reduces pollution and captures and stores carbon dioxide. Because cyanobacteria thrive in different environments, this process is scalable and adaptable to different climates.
The innovation is part of the new wave of bio-based building materials. Researchers are using fungi-based materials, including mycelium, as lightweight, biodegradable alternatives to concrete and steel. These materials work with nature to make buildings stronger, more durable and even able to grow over time through biological processes that repair damage or adapt to environmental changes. They could change the way we think about construction and create greener, smarter cities and infrastructure attuned to ecological systems.
These materials maintain their strength over time and exhibit long-term durability. If this technology is successfully scaled, the method could reduce the costs and environmental impact of repairing and replacing infrastructure, particularly in regions subject to extreme weather conditions.
“Society needs pathways to more sustainable building materials – and we hope to develop one of those pathways,” said Assistant Professor Shany Barath, director of the Disrupt.Design Lab.
Scientists are collaborating across sectors to develop solutions such as heat-resistant crops that help farmers cope with droughts and create greener urban spaces with systems that work with nature.
When experts work together across departments, innovative and sustainable growth occurs. Barath and her team hope their work inspires more innovation and helps make sustainable materials the norm in construction.
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