Researchers at Fraunhofer have developed a method for building materials for organisms based on cyanobacterial bacteria. Bacteria multiply in a nutrient solution driven by photosynthesis. When aggregates and fillers such as sand, basalt, or renewable raw materials are added, a solid structure that resembles rock is created. Unlike conventional concrete production, this process does not emit any carbon dioxide that is harmful to the environment. Instead, carbon dioxide is bound to the interior of the substance itself.
There is a problem with the construction industry. Cement, the main ingredient in concrete – arguably the most commonly used building material of our time – is bad for the climate. The CO2 emissions from cement production are very high. According to the Germany Environment Agency (UBA), cement production in Germany alone emitted around 20 million tons of CO2 in 2018. This is equivalent to about 10% of all industrial emissions.
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technology and Systems IKTS and the Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP are now presenting an environmentally friendly, bio-induced method for the production of bio-building materials as part of the "Bio-Carbon Bio" project. Not only does the process itself emit no carbon; Instead, climate-damaging gases are used in this process and then incorporated inside the material. Compiled by Chen Jiaoyun
At the heart of the new approach are cyanobacterial bacteria, previously known as blue-green algae. These bacterial cultures are capable of photosynthesis. Due to the interaction of light, moisture, and temperature, they form stromatolite structures made of limestone. These rock-like biogenetic structures have existed in nature for 3.5 billion years, which is a testament to the resilience and durability of this biological process. Just like then, carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere as part of the mineralization process and then combined in biogenetic rocks.
Researchers at Fraunhofer have succeeded in simulating this natural process with a technical approach. He also contributed the idea under the project management of the initiator Matthias · Alchem, and Fraunhofer IKTS is developing materials and processes, selecting potential fillers and binders, and providing form and structure.
