Nanoscale to Macroscale Characterization of in—Situ Bacterial Biopolymers for Applications in Soil Stabilization

Bacterial biopolymers produced extracellularly due to microbial metabolic activities have gained considerable interest in various engineering applications. The major advantages of bacterial is their in-situ production and low water solubility, eliminating the requirement for mixing granular substrates such as soils. These properties make them highly desirable preferable manufactured biopolymers. But any applications, it crucial understand mechanical these materials, which been less explored. This investigation first attempt quantify nano macro biopolymer dextran by culture Leucononstoc mesenteroids . fundamental mechanism biopolymer-based cementation has revealed through morphographic nanomechanical testing via atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation scanning electron micrographs. effect bacterially commercial on macro-mechanical soils was then investigated needle penetration tests. In-situ were found be effective stabilizing with comparable study demonstrated novel methods situ polymers opened up channels applications numerous subsurface well surface