Biology: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]
See also
References
- ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 1.2 Clay Dillow (2010-11-16). "Engineered Bacteria Can Fill Cracks in Aging Concrete". Popular Science. http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-11/modified-bacterial-glue-can-shore-cracking-concrete.
- ↑ "Press release: Cracks in your concrete? – You need ‘BacillaFilla’". Newcastle University. 2010-11-12. http://www.ncl.ac.uk/press.office/press.release/item/cracks-in-your-concrete-you-need-bacillafilla.
- ↑ "Genetically Modified Bacteria Can Fix Cracked Concrete | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building". Inhabitat. 2012-03-26. http://inhabitat.com/genetically-modified-bacteria-can-fix-cracked-concrete/.
External links
![]() | Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BacillaFilla.
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