Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Encapsulation of bacterial cells in self-healing concrete: Approaches, challenges and innovations

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Setayesh Shokraneh 1
Paria Nabavi 1
Kianoosh Samimi 2
Mohammad Reza Hafezi 3
1 Masters student, Faculty of Architecture and Urban planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Urban planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22065/jsce.2025.486695.3557
Abstract
Concrete, as one of the most widely used construction materials, plays a significant role in both the economy and the environment. However, cracking and the subsequent ingress of chemical agents are among the main causes of concrete degradation, potentially leading to reduced strength and shorter service life of concrete structures. Detecting and repairing cracks is also a challenging and time-consuming process, especially when effective repair is needed. In the development of sustainable solutions to enhance concrete performance, bacteria-based self-healing concrete technology has emerged as an innovative approach. This technology repairs concrete cracks through calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) production without external intervention, thereby improving the environmental sustainability of structures by increasing their strength and durability. This review paper examines various methods and materials for encapsulating bacterial cells in self-healing concrete. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of diverse materials such as natural and synthetic polymers, hydrogels, nanomaterials, and hybrid materials for enhancing concrete durability and performance. It also addresses the challenges and innovations associated with these techniques, as well as the need to develop optimized methods to improve bacterial cell stability within concrete’s alkaline environment. In this regard, over 80 papers published in reputable scientific journals have been reviewed. The findings of this research indicate that employing advanced encapsulation techniques can effectively enhance the durability and performance of self-healing systems in concrete. Furthermore, based on the consensus among researchers, encapsulation materials such as hydrogels and alginates play a significant role in improving mechanical strength and reducing water permeability. Additionally, the use of microorganisms for repairing larger cracks demonstrates high potential; however, fully harnessing these capabilities requires sufficient time for the healing process to take place.
Keywords
Bacteria
Calcium carbonate deposition
Capsule
Crack repair
Self-healing concrete

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 21 August 1403
  • Revise Date 08 October 1403
  • Accept Date 23 October 1403