Self-healing concrete containing bacteria

Category:  Research

Sector:  Civil Engineering
Company:  Technische Universiteit Delft
Patent number: EP2247551
Invention:  Self-healing concrete containing bacteria, Hendrik Marius Jonkers
You can vote: from 21 April to 4 June 2015, 23.59 hrs CET

As solid and reliable as concrete structures may seem, they share one common enemy: tension. Over time, concrete will crack and deteriorate. An invention by Delft University microbiologist Hendrik Jonkers offers an innovative approach to creating more stable concrete by adding limestone-producing bacteria to the mix. This self-healing bioconcrete aims to provide a cheap and sustainable solution, markedly improving the lifespan of buildings, bridges and roads.

The European Inventor Award is organised by the European Patent Office (EPO). The award ceremony will be held on
11 June 2015 in Paris, France.

More information: European Patent Office