Potential of fungi to produce bioconcrete

The cracks in concrete reduce their resistance capacity and allow the entry of harmful agents both for their microstructure and for the reinforcements located inside the structure. Several studies have been done to promote sustainable solutions for this problem. The microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) is an alternative to traditionally used methods and a way to reduce the environmental impact of using more cement and polymers. Most of the biocementation studies to fill cracks or to promote bio self-healing on concrete present bacteria as the microorganisms responsible for the CaCO3 induction process. Fungi are potentially better for the biocementation process because they have more biomass and some develop filaments that can be used as microfibers on materials. Thus, the present work proposes the development of a methodology to analyse the potential use of two urease-positive fungi (Penicillium chrysogenum MUM 9743 and Neurospora crassa MUM 9208) to produce bioconcrete. The microstructure and chemical constituents of biocrystals formed due to MICCP were observed under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM showed fungal mycelia as bio-based fiber in bioconcrete and clusters of probable calcite crystals on and around mycelia. Both fungi were able to promote biocimentation of sand.

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