BacillaFilla

BacillaFilla is a genetically engineered strain of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis which was developed by a group of students at Newcastle University in 2010 in order to repair cracks in concrete as part of an International Genetically Engineered Machine competition.[1]

The bacteria would be released as spores which would germinate upon coming into contact with the pH of concrete.[1] Upon germination, the bacteria would descend into cracks in the concrete. The bacteria use quorum sensing to determine when enough bacteria have accumulated, triggering production of a mixture of calcium carbonate and a "bacterial glue", which combines with the bacterial cells to fill the crack. This mixture hardens to be as strong as the surrounding concrete.[1][2]

Prolonging the life of concrete could reduce CO2 emissions derived from concrete production.[3]

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference PopSci_2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference PR_2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Inhabitat_2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).