Development of bio-inspired multi-functional polymeric-based fibers (BioFiber) for advanced delivery of bacterial-based self-healing agent in concrete

The goal of this research is to develop innovative damage-responsive bacterial-based self-healing fibers (hereafter called BioFiber) that can be incorporated into concrete enable two functionalities simultaneously: (1) crack bridging functionality control growth and (2) healing when a occurs. BioFiber comprised load-bearing core fiber, sheath bacteria-laden hydrogel, an outer impermeable strain-responsive shell coating. An instant soaking manufacturing process was used with multiple reservoirs containing bacteria-laden, hydrophilic prepolymer crosslinking reagents BioFiber. Sodium-alginate as produce calcium-alginate hydrogel via ionic on the fiber. dormant bacteria (spore) Lysinibacillus sphaericus in agent. Then, polymeric coating applied hydrogel-coated fibers. material manufactured using polymer blend polystyrene polylactic acid. high swelling capacity provides water required for microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) chemical pathway, i.e., ureolysis study. adequate flexibility during casting protect spores alginate before cracking sufficient stress-strain behavior grant damage-responsiveness upon occurrence activate MICP. To evaluate developed BioFiber, impermeability coating, spore survivability, MICP activities were investigated.