Construction biotechnology: The promise of sustainable buildings

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the thriving industries in the world. There are various modern techniques implemented and latest construction materials are used to build an eco-friendly and sustainable building. Construction Biotechnology is a new scientific and engineering discipline that has been developing exponentially during the last decade. In this biotechnology-based construction, microbially treated construction materials are used. The bio-agents used in construction biotechnologies are pure or enriched with cultures of native microorganisms or microorganisms isolated and activated from the soil. Overall process of construction is also different due to involvement of biotechnology-derived processes and technologies. Biotechnology-based construction has shown potential of cost-effectiveness which renders such construction technologies promising in the current era. Architects, engineers, and people involved with construction are suggesting these biotechnology-based construction technologies for ecofriendliness and high sustainability of these novel construction materials. As a field, biotechnology offers countless solutions to common environmental problems well beyond the construction industry