3D Templating Biohybrids for Highly Efficient Growth of Decarbonizing Biocements

Concrete is the second most consumed material in the world for the construction of various infrastructures. It also contributes 7-8% of total global carbon emissions due to the production of cement. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), the main ingredient of concrete or biocement, catalyzed by urease offers a carbon neutral or carbon negative route to create environmentally friendly and CO2 capturing biocement. To enhance the efficiency of biological processes in MICP, while reducing material cost and operational cost, and increasing carbon capturing for biocement production, we exploit the use of 3D printed minimal surfaces coated with biocompatible gels as templates to immobilize <i>non-pathogenic</i> ureolytic bacteria genus <i>S. pasteurii.</i> We show that the amount of CaCO₃ crystals deposited on the 3D templates are an order of magnitude more than those deposited on an agar gel in a petri dish.