Bacteria replace high-heat furnaces to grow building materials from sand

Researchers at ETH Zurich led by Karen Antorveza Paez use Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria to bind sand into solid architectural components at room temperature, avoiding kilns and fossil fuels. The biocement is currently closer to mortar in strength, suited only for non-load-bearing elements.

• Cement production accounts for about 8% of global CO2 emissions
• Bacteria mineralize printed sand in a 2–5 day nutrient bath
• Biocement strength suits only non-load-bearing walls and panels
• The reaction releases ammonium, a byproduct that must be treated