Biomineralized Materials for Sustainable and Durable Construction

Abstract

Portland cement concrete, the most used manufactured material in the world, is a significant contributor to anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While strategies such as point-source CO2 capture, renewable fuels, alternative cements, and supplementary cementitious materials can yield substantial reductions in cement-related CO2 emissions, emerging biocement technologies based on the mechanisms of microbial biomineralization have the potential to radically transform the industry. In this work, we present a review and meta-analysis of the field of biomineralized building materials and their potential to improve the sustainability and durability of civil infrastructure. First, we review the mechanisms of microbial biomineralization, which underpin our discussion of current and emerging biomineralized material technologies and their applications within the construction industry. We conclude by highlighting the technical, economic, and environmental challenges that must be addressed before new, innovative biomineralized material technologies can scale beyond the laboratory.