Bacteria repair cracks in buildings that have emerged by earthquakes or by the test of time. They do so with a self made super glue that hardens extremely.
Scientists already gave this new silicone a name: "BacillaFilla." It are genetically engineered bacteria of the species Bacillus subtilis. This species lives in the ground, but rises by some genetic changes to a much higher level. Researchers have adapted the organism cleverly. Once the bacteria come into contact with a specific pH value, they start multiplying. Moreover, the bacteria are programmed in a way that they crawl as deeply as possible into a crack or hole.
Glue
Once it is getting busier in the crack, the bacteria know they have reached the deepest point of the crack. And then they begin to produce bacterial fillings. Some of the bacteria produce calcium carbonate and others a kind of bacterial glue that binds everything together. Once all that stuff has cured, the bacterium is as strong as the surrounding structure.
Stop!
Now you might think:” But what if the bacteria do not stop multiplying? Then everything is glued”. Also this is thought: the bacteria have a self-destructive gene that puts them offside when ready. Researchers hope their discovery can be used to restore buildings in a cheap and effective way on short notice. Until then we are very pleased to provide our glue, of course.
Bron: Scientas.nl