These days microbial concrete or self healing concrete is gaining much popularity for the bioremediation of cracks. Studies reported use of bacterial cells for such bioremediation by calcite production. During some literature survey, I found few papers on extraction of protein from bacterial cell, its powder formation by using lyophilizer and then they cured the cracked concrete/mortar in water containing extracted protein powder. Is this econimical instead of using bacterial cell as whole calcite producing organism? What is the role of protein in concrete? Is protein secreted something that plugs the cracks or triggers something?
On the other hand, use of industrial waste by-products improved the performance of concrete or mortar up to certain extent of additions. This may acts as an econimical option for the production of concrete with improved properties to reutilize the wastes. But some studies reported the use of carbon nano tubes and other man made/ designed materials to improved the properties of concrete/mortar. Can nano particles/tubes also acts as an economical option for the production of concrete? How can these nanotubes be syntheized or are these some waste-by products?
Please clear my queries. I will be highly thankful for your valuale suggestions and discussions.
Concrete, widely used construction material suffers from cracks and low tensile strength that cut down the load capacity resulting in shortening of self-life. Biologically modified construction materials become more popular for higher strength and long-term sustainability.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojce.2012.24029
Use of the additives will be influenced by type of application (load bearing, non-load bearing, barriers and others) exposure environment and regulations. Based on the question, my guess is that the additives are going to be used for self healing of the concrete. I will encourage developing and using alternative materials for the self healing application of concrete. But necessary short-term and long-term tests must be done to verify the application.
Respected Dr. Sukla and Dr. Vipulanandan.... thanks for your comments.
but my question is on the economics of the utilization of bacterial protein and carbon nano tubes in concrete. As we all know it is easy to grow bacteria and its utilization in bioremediation purposes but does not it feel that extraction of protein from bacteria using molecular biology techniques and use of lyophilizer to make protein a dry powder or/ use and design of nano tubes is a costly process comparable to directly use of industrial wastes in concrete?
Respected Dr. Sukla
I have also read that paper and other too by the same authors... after reading the paper this thing comes into my mind that how could it possible to use only protein powder instead of bacterial cells? Does protein produces something that acts as crack filling agent whereas bacterial cell produces calcite that fills the crack? Why to use extracted protein when bacterial cell without any proper treatment fulfills the desired work? According to my vision use of protein powder is not economical.
Please comment. Thanks.
Bacillus pasteurii is known to come into life when cracks are developed in a structure preblended with this microbe, urea and calcite, and they will the crack by secreting calcium carbonate utilizing the urea and Air.
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