VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Jnana Sangama, Belagavi – 590 018, Karnataka, India

A Technical Seminar Presentation On

“ Bacterial Biotechnology: A Self-Healing Sustainable Solution”

PRESENTED BY : UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF :

ANKITHA J GANGADHAR HUGAR
3PG20CV004 Asst Prof.
Dept. of Civil Engineering

PROUDADEVARAYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

HOSAPETE – 583 225
Table of content
1. Bacterial Biotechnology Introduction
2. Objectives of the Study
3. Bacteria Used
4. Preparation of Bacterial Concrete
5. Bioconcete Mechanism
6. Advantages and Disadvantages
7. Challenges
8. Case Studies and Successful Implementations
9. Future Prospects and Conclusion
10.References
Bacterial
Biotechnology: A Self-
Healing Sustainable
Solution
Bacterial biotechnology harnesses the incredible power of
microorganisms to tackle complex challenges, from
sustainable manufacturing to environmental remediation.
This field opens up a world of possibilities, allowing us to
develop innovative solutions that are both effective and
eco-friendly.
Objectives of the Study
Efficient crack sealing : Using
1 bacteria cracks are healed thereby
reduces permeability.

Type of bacteria used : Which survives

2 in the alkaline mix of the concrete.

3 Mechanism of bioconcrete : To know the

bacterial self healing process.
Bacteria Used
Bacillus pasteurii Bacillus filla Bacillus cohnii
Bacterium that can Bacillus filla is a This survives in tiny
solidify sand or soil. genetically modified pores in the concrete.
This process is called bacteria designed to It even improves
microbiologically heal cracks in strength of the
induced calcite concrete by producing concrete. It produces
precipitation (MICP) a limestone-like limestone as a
or biological material and a binding byproduct which
cementation. agent. ultimately fills cracks.
Preparation of Bacterial Concrete
1. By direct application
Bacterial concrete is prepared by
directly mixing bacteria, nutrients,
and concrete components.
2. By encapsulation in concrete
The bacteria are carefully
encapsulated in clay pelletes to
ensure their viability and are added
during the concrete mixing
process.
Under controlled conditions, the
bacteria activate and start the self-
healing process when cracks form.
Bioconcete Mechanism
Calcium Carbonate
Precipitation
Bacteria metabolize
nutrients, producing calcium
carbonate that fills cracks
and damages in the concrete.
1
2 Self-Healing of Cracks
Bacteria wake up when
exposed to air, water or soil
in cracks , it gets activated
and consumes nutrients and
seal crack with
limestone( by product)
restoring the structural
integrity of the concrete.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
Reduced maintenance costs, improved
durability, and prolonged lifespan of concrete
structures.
Disadvantages
Challenges in large-scale implementation,
potential limitations in extreme
environmental conditions, and the need for
specialized knowledge and equipment.
Environmentally Friendly
Bacterial biotechnology offers a sustainable
solution that minimizes the environmental
impact compared to traditional concrete
repair methods.
Ongoing Research
Continuous research and development are
necessary to address the current limitations
and further improve the technology.
Challenges
Nutrient Availability
Ensuring a consistent supply of essential nutrients for bacterial growth and
activity is crucial for efficient bioconcrete formation.

Environmental Factors
Adapting the bacterial strains and optimizing the application process to withstand
various environmental conditions, such as temperature, pH, and moisture levels.

Scalability
Developing streamlined, cost-effective methods for large-scale deployment of
bacterial biotechnology in infrastructure projects.
Case Studies and Successful
Implementations
Mangdao river ship lock
Microbial self-healing
concrete was mainly used at
the junction of the side wall
and the bottom plate of the
sluice chamber. To address the
potential cracks in lock
chambers, self-healing
concrete was used.
Wastewater
purification tank
Researchers in Delft,
Netherlands built a
demonstrator project to see if
self-healing concrete could
reduce wastewater treatment
plant maintenance costs.
Rectangular water
reservoir
In Hoogvliet, NetherlandsThe
south and east walls contained
self-healing concrete with
added healing agent , while the
north and west walls were
standard concrete. All walls
had the same steel
reinforcement designed for
small cracks.
Future Prospects and Conclusion
Continued Research and Development
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Widespread Adoption
Exploring new bacterial strains,
optimizing application methods, and
addressing scaling challenges to expand
the use of bacterial biotechnology.
Bringing together experts from fields such
as microbiology, engineering, and
materials science to drive innovation and
unlock new applications.
Promoting the benefits of bacterial
biotechnology to encourage its integration
into mainstream infrastructure and
industrial practices.
References
[a] Nele De Belie, (2016), “Application of Bacteria in Concrete: a Critical Review”

[b] Renee M. Mors, Henk M. Jonkers, (2020), “Bacteria-based self-healing concrete: evolution of full
scale demonstrator projects”

[c] Xuan Zhang , Chunxiang Qian, (2020), “Engineering Application of Microbial Self-healing Concrete
in Lock Channel Wall”

[d] Rupesh Kumar Sah, Dr. Manju Dominic, Rikshit Kumar, (2021) “ Comprehensive Study on Bacterial
Concrete: A Review”

[e] Augusta Ivaske, Viktor Gribniak, Ronaldas Jakubovskis and Jaunius Urbonavicius, (2023) “
Bacterial Viability in Self-healing Concrete: A Case Study of Bacillus Species”

[f] Omar Hamza, Mohamed Esaker, Abdurahim Abogdera, David Elliott, (2024) “ Bio-protection of
Cementitious Materials Below Ground”

[g] Muzzamil Nisar, and Er. Brahamjeet Singh, (2024) “ An Experimental Study on Strength and Self-
healing Characteristics of Baterial Concrete”​
Thank You