Opportunities and challenges of microalgae in biocement production and self-repair mechanisms

Climate change has encouraged an urgent quest for sustainable remedies to curtail the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The integration of microorganisms into biocement production and carbon capture processes emerges as a hope, presenting a dual solution to both the environmental challenges and the evolving needs of the construction industry. This review highlights the potency of microalgae in biocement production and their pivotal role in facilitating self-healing properties in concrete structures. The symbiotic relationship between microalgae and bacteria in crack healing mechanisms is explored, emphasizing the capacity of microalgae to supply oxygen, aid in CO2 sequestration, and produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3) through photosynthesis. Two method of self-healing mechanism of concrete by using microalgae is proposed: sprying and submersible process. Insights into the use of specific bacterial cultures in tandem with microalgae to enhance the healing process and fortify concrete structures are presented. The combination of microalgae in biocement production shows wide potential in developing sustainable, self-healing construction materials, paving the way for innovative and environmentally conscious infrastructure solutions.