Bio-Engineers Create Self-Healing Building Materials
A groundbreaking advancement in materials science is reshaping the future of construction as bio-engineers unveil a new generation of self-healing building materials capable of automatically repairing cracks, damage, and structural stress. This innovative technology integrates living microorganisms, smart polymers, and responsive nano-additives to create materials that can detect damage and restore themselves without human intervention. Designed to significantly increase durability and reduce maintenance costs, these materials are being hailed as a major leap toward sustainable and resilient infrastructure. At the core of this technology is the use of engineered bacteria embedded within the material matrix, often in microcapsules. When cracks form, these capsules rupture, exposing the bacteria to air and moisture, activating them to produce calcium carbonate or bio-friendly binding agents that naturally fill and seal cracks. In parallel, advanced materials such as shape-memory polymers...