Construction biotechnology: improving mortar properties through calcium carbonate precipitation using a novel strain of the bacterium Neisseria perflava

Abstract

AbstractIn construction technology, there are significant efforts to reduce environmental emissions, particularly NH3 and other pollutants. This study marks the first application of CaCO3 biomineralization biotechnology in microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) to enhance mortar properties using the non-pathogenic Neisseria perflava strain SKC/VA-3, which employs carbonic anhydrase mechanisms. The results demonstrated that N. perflava could significantly improve the physical and mechanical characteristics of mortar. Incorporating N. perflava and calcium lactate pentahydrate resulted in a 20% increase in compressive strength and a 14% rise in indirect tensile strength of the mortar. Examination through scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) revealed calcite formation within the microstructure of the bio-mortar. Additionally, self-healing assessments indicated that calcite precipitation, driven by bacterial metabolism, also occurred on the cracked surfaces of the bacterial mortar, suggesting potential for reduced maintenance and increased material longevity. This study provides the first report on the use of N. perflava for bio-mortar enhancement and represents a novel biotechnological approach to improving the properties of mortar and other cementitious materials. The utilization of N. perflava in bio-mortar represents a groundbreaking biotechnological advance, potentially enhancing mortar and other cement-based materials. This development contributes to sustainable, durable, and environmentally friendly construction technologies.