All complex organisms undergo some development in terms of size and abilities. It can also, to some extent, heal wounds and injuries. Some species, such as reptiles and crabs, can develop new limbs even when they are crippled. Let’s imagine. self-healing abilityThe University of Colorado in the United States believes such an approach is viable. That’s not all. innovative concreteTheir self-repairing structural materials utilize bacteria that metabolize nutrients and water to create new materials.
More specifically, the research team relies on photosynthetic cyanobacterial species synechococcus genus. This bacterium is able to produce calcium carbonate through its metabolic process. This is the same compound that allows other creatures, such as mollusks, to build mobile shell homes, says materials scientist Wil Strubar, who leads the technology project It explains that the team decided to mix the bacterial culture with sand and hydrogel. The purpose of the latter is to retain water and nutrients that provide a welcoming environment for bacteria. The story, no matter how interesting, doesn’t end there.
Strubar and his team split the original brick in two and added sand, hydrogels and nutrients. After 6 hours, the cyanobacteria had done their job and we had two full-sized bricks. Three generations later, he had eight bricks. These self-healing properties don’t just open the door to creativity. self-replicating materialNot only that, it can also self-heal when taking damage, much like a lizard’s tail or a crab’s claw.
of Applications for this new concrete have great interest in the field of construction materials, but not only in the soil of our planet. The chief scientist believes this bacteria-building technology could help build future homes on Mars. can be used to create sturdy structures and living spaces.
What are ELMs?
ELM (Engineered Living Materials) is a research area of growing interest among engineers and scientists. on the other hand, new construction materials Developed by scientists at the University of Colorado, the ELM is perhaps one of the most ambitious ELMs ever created in terms of durability and potential, and researchers have long been working on a similar base material. I made it.
Some of them are designed to be used as pressure sensor, others take advantage of the light sensitivity of bacteria to create light sensors.at Berkeley labFor example, they have developed a bacterial ‘scaffolding’ system that can assemble nanostructures as mollusks do in their shells. Particles adhere to the cell surface at regular distances, allowing the creation of predictable and ordered structures.In this case they Caulobacter crescentus, bacteria It is known for its ability to survive in environments low in nutrients and oxygen.
sauce: scientific journals
