Mechanisms of encapsulation of bacteria in self-healing concrete: review

• Main Authors: Martín Eduardo Espitia Nery, Dery Esmeralda Corredor Pulido, Paula Andrea Castaño Oliveros, Johan Andrey Rodriguez Medina, Querly Yubiana Ordoñez Bello, Maikol Santiago Perez Fuentes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia 2019-07-01
• Series: Dyna
• Subjects: encapsulation; bacteria; resistance; compression; self-healing concrete; cracks
• Online Access: https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/dyna/article/view/75343

Fissures in concrete structures result from structural deterioration and inadequate building processes, among other factors. Traditional in situ repair is often expensive and complex. For this reason, self-healing techniques have been developed, such as the use of bacteria that precipitate calcium carbonate and seal fissures. However, adding bacteria directly to the concrete matrix reduces bacterial survival. We present a review of different methods of bacterial encapsulation and their effects on fissure repair and concrete resistance. We argue that encapsulation of Bacillus subtilis in clay is the most promising method for this type of concrete, increasing concrete strength by 12% and repairing fissures of up to 0.52 mm.