Dutch scientist created bacteria that repair cracked buildings by turning cracks into stone, making concrete heal itself and saving billions in repair costs

Dutch microbiologist Professor Henk Jonkers at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) developed self-healing concrete using bacteria that produce calcium carbonate (limestone).

The bacteria are dormant in the concrete until cracks appear; when water enters, they activate and fill the cracks with limestone, sealing them automatically.

Self-healing concrete can extend the lifespan of buildings and infrastructure by repairing damage without human intervention.

The innovation was supported by European research programmes and is a leading example of bio-inspired engineering.

Repairing cracked concrete costs governments and businesses billions of dollars annually; self-healing concrete could drastically reduce these expenses.