Montana researchers develop bricks using fungus and bacteria

In a groundbreaking study conducted in Montana, researchers are exploring the potential of utilizing living materials, specifically fungi and bacteria, to create sustainable building materials. Published on April 16, 2023, this research highlights the pressing need for alternatives to conventional cement, which significantly contributes to carbon dioxide emissions globally. The leading author, Chelsea Heveran, an assistant professor at Montana State University Bozeman, emphasized the environmentally harmful impacts of cement production, which alone accounts for around 8% of emissions worldwide. The scientific team focused on a bacterial species, Sporosarcina pasteurii, which has the ability to produce calcium carbonate, a compound found in various natural substances, when provided with nutrients like urea. They introduced this bacteria to fungal mycelium, which acted as scaffolding. Through a process known as biomineralization, the mixture hardened into a durable material, effectively transforming the flexible mycelium into a more rigid structure through the calcium carbonate produced by the bacteria. Heveran pointed out the potential for extending the viability of these microbes, overcoming previous challenges associated with their lifecycle. Though the findings are promising, researchers acknowledge that the practical application of these materials for construction is still in its infancy. Avinash Manjula-Basavanna, a bioengineer who did not partake in the study, noted that while current experiments have shown potential at a smaller scale, more substantial testing is required before such materials can be used in significant infrastructure projects. He mentioned the existing gap in regulatory standards for these biobased bricks, acknowledging they might yet serve specialized applications, potentially in single-story buildings or temporary structures. Looking toward the future, Heveran and her team are enthusiastic about further experiments that could enhance the viability of their living materials in construction. They envisioned applications beyond mere structural integrity, such as the capacity for these materials to signal air quality issues for inhabitants. This innovative approach to building materials may offer a more sustainable and possibly cost-effective solution, especially for meeting infrastructure needs in resource-constrained environments or even in space exploration. Despite the hurdles that remain, the exploration of mycelium and bacteria as viable construction materials marks a significant step toward reducing the environmental footprint of building practices.