BacillaFilla - A Bacteria That Glues Concrete Walls

Whenever an earthquake, mudslide or other disaster hits an area, a lot of the concrete structures have to be torn down, thanks to the resulting cracks that render the buildings unstable. Not only is this expensive, but also, harmful to the environment, because concrete production is responsible for about 5% of all global carbon dioxide emissions. Now, there may be an alternative.

The BacillaFilla is the genius idea from a group of students from UK's New Castle University, who developed it for the MIT sponsored, International Genetically Engineered Machines contest (IGEN).

To create the glue-forming bacteria, they started with a commonly found soil bacteria called Bacillus subtilis. They then genetically engineered them, so that they only began to germinate if they came in contact with the distinct ph (alkaline/acidic measure) of concrete.

After multiplying, this smartened up bacteria, start to swarm inside the cracks of the concrete until they reach the bottom at which point they start clumping. And, it gets even better.

The act of clumping activates the cells to re-organize themselves into three different types, each with a specific purpose. One group produces calcium carbonate - the material needed for the repair. Another, starts to develop into bacteria filaments and becomes the reinforcing fiber, while the third, starts to produce the binding agent, called Levans glue. The calcium carbonate and bacterial glue combine with the filaments and the resulting mix hardens to the same strength as the concrete around it, holding the structure together and alleviating the need to re-build.

And, just like a James Bond movie, to prevent rogue bacteria from spreading, the bacteria are programmed to self-destruct if, they fail to germinate.

While it is not known when the amazing bacteria will be available for commercial use, the team did go home with the gold in the competition where they were pitted against 130 equally impressive projects. We therefore have a feeling that you will soon start to see signs saying 'Repaired by BacillaFilla', proudly displayed on concrete buildings all around the world.

Sources:gizmag.com,livejournal.com,physorg.com