Imagine a building material that can heal its own cracks before they even appear. This futuristic concept is becoming a reality thanks to groundbreaking research from Montana State University. Scientists there have developed a “living” construction material by combining fungi and bacteria, potentially revolutionizing our reliance on traditional concrete, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Published in April 2025, this innovative material utilizes fungal filaments and special bacteria that convert chemicals into stone. The results demonstrate that this living material remains active for at least a month, a significant advancement given that conventional concrete is static and incapable of self-repair. But what exactly are living materials?
Living Materials: A Sustainable Alternative
Living materials, or engineered living materials, integrate living cells with a solid structure, enabling them to grow, respond to their environment, or repair themselves. Think of them as bricks with their own ecosystem, where microbes perform roles that concrete and plastic simply can’t.
Until now, these materials were primarily used as gels or coatings, useful for sensors but not robust enough for building structures. However, engineer Chelsea Heveran and her team have already developed “living bricks” that can renew themselves, though they lacked durability once dried.
Fungi and Bacteria: A Winning Combination
In this new study, the team led by Ethan Viles utilized the mycelium of Neurospora crassa, a common fungus. These dense filaments filled molds to create porous, lightweight, yet strong blocks, reminiscent of bone structure.
These blocks were then immersed in a solution containing urea, calcium, and a bacterium called Sporosarcina pasteurii. This bacterium breaks down urea and helps form calcium carbonate, the mineral that hardens the mycelium blocks. A similar process is being tested to repair cracks in traditional concrete, but here, the longevity of the microbes is a major advantage.
While promising, these living bricks are still in their infancy. Their long-term durability and production costs remain challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, they pave the way for more eco-friendly and sustainable construction, reducing the carbon footprint of the building industry.
