"Imagine a world where bridges and buildings heal themselves," says Dr. Congrui Grace Jin of Texas A&M University. This vision is becoming a reality with the development of self-healing concrete, inspired by the resilient lichen. The research, published on March 3, 2025, in Materials Today Communications, marks a significant leap towards sustainable construction.
Concrete, the world's most used building material, is prone to cracking, leading to costly repairs and potential structural failures. Dr. Jin's team drew inspiration from lichen, a symbiotic organism that thrives in harsh environments. They created a synthetic lichen system, embedding filamentous fungi and cyanobacteria within the concrete matrix.
Unlike current self-healing solutions that require external nutrients, this system operates autonomously. The fungi produce minerals to seal cracks, while the cyanobacteria convert light into energy, fueling the healing process. This innovative approach promises to reduce maintenance costs, extend the lifespan of infrastructure, and enhance public safety.
Dr. Jin is also collaborating with social scientists to address public perceptions of using living organisms in construction. This multidisciplinary approach aims to navigate the ethical, social, and legal implications of this technology. The potential applications extend from urban developments to space-based infrastructures, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient built environment.
This research signifies a paradigm shift, where concrete not only endures but actively participates in its own maintenance. It represents a future where infrastructure is safer, more durable, and aligned with the principles of sustainability. The integration of biological processes into construction materials promises a revolutionary change in how we build and maintain our world.