The Role of Microorganisms in Bio-cement Production: An Extended Review

Abstract

Bio-cement is an innovative material with the potential for replacement of conventional cement through microorganisms-influenced process. The major method uses bacterial, fungal, or algal activity to produce Microbial-Induced Calcium carbonate Precipitation (MICP). This review aims to understand the microbial aspect of bio-cement production explaining the process through MICP that is enhanced by ureolytic bacteria with a focus on <i>Sporosarcina pasteurii</i> through the provide urease. Bio-cement has many environmental advantages such as lower CO<sub>2</sub> emission in comparison with common cement and opportunities to utilization of waste products. In construction, it is used in self-healing concrete, crack repair, and soil stabilization among others to demonstrate its flexibility in the construction industry due to its available solutions to many structural and geotechnical problems. The review also includes directions for basic, applied, and translational research, targeted genetic modifications for enhanced microbial performance, bio-cement, and more effective microbial strains, and the convergence of bio-cement with 3D printing. Even though bio-cement is an environmentally friendly approach used for soil stabilization, the negative impacts that surround the environment, for further research in making the bio-cement more bio-deteriorate and energy efficient.