Microbiologist invents concrete that can fix its own cracks - video

A microbiologist has developed a kind of concrete that can heal itself according to a report.

Microbiologist Hendrik Jonker was apparently inspired by the way the body can heal bone through mineralisation IFLScience reports.

Jonker figured out that by mixing the concrete with limestone-producing bacteria he could create a kind of 'bioconcrete' that patched over its own cracks.

The bacteria he used, Bacillus pseudofirmus or Sporosarcina pasteurii, are found in highly alkaline lakes near volcanoes and are capable of surviving up to 200 years without oxygen or food.

When they come into contact with water, they activate using calcium lactate for food - and produce limestone that closes up the cracks in the concrete.

Unfortunately bioconcrete comes at about twice the price of normal concrete.

This is because of the calcium lactate.

Jonker hopes he can reduce the price by getting the bacteria to eat sugar-based nutrients instead.