Biomineralization-based calcium carbonate formation for the valorization of calcium-containing wastes into construction materials

The development of sustainable and durable construction materials has become an urgent priority for the building industry in response to increasing environmental pressures, natural resource depletion, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, biomineralization-based calcium carbonate (CaCO3) formation has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing material performance, valorizing industrial waste streams, and, in certain systems, facilitating carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. This review aims to present an overview of the current state of research on biomineralization-driven CaCO3 formation, with a particular focus on the conversion of industrial alkaline (calcium-containing) wastes into value-added construction materials. Through microbially mediated or biologically influenced processes, calcium-rich residues, such as recycled concrete, iron and steel slags, and other alkaline industrial by-products, can be transformed into stable carbonate-bearing materials. One important advantage of this approach lies in its potential to integrate waste treatment with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), thereby contributing to circular economy principles within the construction sector. While CO2 mineralization using calcium-containing wastes has become an active and rapidly advancing area of research in recent years, biomineralization of such industrial residues remains comparatively under explored. To provide a state-of-the-art understanding, this review first summarizes the fundamental mechanisms governing biomineralization-based CaCO3 formation, followed by a critical assessment of current research on the treatment of industrial calcium-containing wastes, focusing primarily on the two most extensively investigated pathways: ureolysis-driven and carbonic anhydrase-mediated mineralization. Special emphasis is placed on evaluating the limitations and challenges, and identifying critical knowledge gaps of the biomineralization strategies. Future research perspectives are proposed for the systematic development of this emerging field. Overall, biomineralization-based CaCO3 formation represents a highly promising and sustainable approach for converting industrial calcium-containing wastes into useful construction materials, while contributing to reductions of carbon emissions and advancing low-carbon, circular construction practices.