Main goal: The main goal of the project is to understand how pore scale fungal calcium carbonate precipitation contributes to material properties.
Description:
Concrete is the world’s most widely used human-made material, yet its production is responsible for significant environmental impacts: generation of hazardous airborne dust, high energy consumption, and substantial CO₂ emissions. Given the impracticality of replacing concrete, our study proposes a sustainable alternative—concrete crack healing using fungi—to prevent reinforcement corrosion and thereby extend structural service life, ultimately reducing carbon output.
The method using fungi to repair cracks involves Microbial-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation (MICP). MICP is a natural process in which microorganisms precipitate calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), thereby sealing cracks and reinforcing concrete surfaces
Because cement-based materials are opaque, directly observing microbial growth and mineral precipitation within cracks is challenging. To address this, we will use a high-resolution 3D X-ray microscope to visualize fungal mycelium development and calcium carbonate precipitation in porous materials. This imaging approach will help reveal how pore-scale biological processes contribute to the overall properties and durability of the material.
As part of this project, you will work with fungal bioreactor and high resolution 3D x-ray tomograph. Training in all of these techniques will be provided. The candidate must be proficient in standard microbiological methods, including sterile inoculation and nutrient medium preparation.
This project is interdisciplinary task within biology and engineering. You will primarily work with Dr. Hanbang Zou. This project is designed for a MSc student (optimal 60 cr).
Start Date: Flexible
Contact information:
Hanbang Zou: Hanbang.zou@biol.lu.se