Brief
Discover how a blend of biology and engineering is transforming the construction industry with sustainable and environment-friendly biocement. A significant step towards combating climate change and championing greener practices.
Insight
Concrete is universally used in construction, only second to water in terms of utilisation. However, the manufacturing process of cement, a key component of concrete, is energy-intensive, contributing approximately 8% to the world’s CO2 emissions and using nearly 3% of the global energy supply.
In light of these environmental implications, scientists, engineers, and start-ups are increasingly turning towards biocement – a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete production. Biocement, created by microbes via a process known as biomineralisation, negates the requirement for high temperatures and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Microbes and bacteria can secrete cement-like materials that contribute to the creation of biobased types of concrete, free of emissions and made at ambient temperatures. Prominent biocement start-ups, such as Prometheus Materials and Biomason, are already exploring the production of green cinder blocks, bricks, and other common concrete building products.
Prometheus Materials recently secured $8 million in series A funding for its bioprocess for cement creation. The process employs cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae or microalgae), converting CO2 and calcium ions to calcite, a form of calcium carbonate, which serves as the biocement. The company’s future plans involve an outdoor reactor run by sunlight, reducing the dependency on electricity.
Biomason utilises a different bacterial species, Sporosarcina pasteurii, which produces urease to hydrolyse urea, leading to the formation of calcite, forming the core process of their biocement manufacturing. Their product line, Biolith, boasts improved physical properties, including higher compressive strength and enhanced resistance to freeze-thaw damage.
The applications for biocement extend from conventional uses such as building blocks to more specialised requirements such as quick construction in remote locations. For example, the US Air Force is exploring Biomason’s technology to build runways and platforms in remote field locations, reducing logistical complexities.
Additionally, companies like BioSqueeze exploit biomineralization to seal leaking oil and gas wells deep below the ground, curbing harmful methane emissions.
With demand for construction predicted to double by 2060, such innovations in the biocement field highlight the potential of this sustainable technology to revolutionise the construction industry, paving the way towards greener practices and contributing significantly to global efforts against climate change.
Highlight
- However, the manufacturing process of cement, a key component of concrete, is energy-intensive, contributing approximately 8% to the world’s CO2 emissions and using nearly 3% of the global energy supply.
- Biocement, created by microbes via a process known as biomineralisation, negates the requirement for high temperatures and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- The process employs cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae or microalgae), converting CO2 and calcium ions to calcite, a form of calcium carbonate, which serves as the biocement.
- Biomason utilises a different bacterial species, Sporosarcina pasteurii, which produces urease to hydrolyse urea, leading to the formation of calcite, forming the core process of their biocement manufacturing.
Related Questions:
- What is the difference between Biocement and normal cement?
- What is biological concrete?
- Is bio concrete expensive?
- How long does bio concrete last?
Related Definitions:
Biocement
Biocement concrete is an eco-friendly construction material created through biomineralisation, a process where bacteria, algae and other microorganisms synthesise minerals. This process occurs at ambient temperature and is emission-free, making it more sustainable than traditional concrete production.
These organisms interact with carbon dioxide and calcium ions, producing a form of calcium carbonate called calcite, which serves as the biocement. This alternative concrete can be used for various construction applications, significantly reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. Its growth aligns with increasing environmental concerns and the demand for sustainable alternatives in construction.
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