Isolation and selection of spore-forming bacilli with potential for self-healing of concrete

The self-healing of concrete through the use of bacteria is an ecological, sustainable, and environmentally friendly method that can replace time-consuming and costly repairs. The aim of this research was to isolate and select spore-forming bacilli with potential for concrete self-healing. Soil samples from the limestone mines of Simbal, Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru were used. These samples were processed to primarily isolate spore-forming bacteria. The self-healing potential of these bacteria was evaluated through their ability to produce the urease enzyme, grow at an alkaline pH, and produce calcium carbonate crystals in a culture medium with urea and CaCl₂ at pH 8.0. The produced crystals were visualized with scanning electron microscopy and their calcium content was confirmed through EDS analysis. The isolated bacteria were identified by 16 S rRNA gene amplification by PCR as Bacillus sp and Streptomyces sp. It was observed that Bacillus sp. produces CaCO₃ crystals with vaterite morphology, while Streptomyces sp. produces rhombohedral calcite crystals. It is concluded that the isolated bacteria have the potential to be used in concrete self-healing processes.