Biomineralization Induced by Cells of Sporosarcina pasteurii: Mechanisms, Applications and Challenges

Abstract

Biomineralization has emerged as a novel and eco-friendly technology for artificial mineral formation utilizing the metabolism of organisms. Due to its highly efficient urea degradation ability, Sporosarcina pasteurii(S. pasteurii) is arguably the most widely investigated organism in ureolytic biomineralization studies, with wide potential application in construction and environmental protection. In emerging, large-scale commercial engineering applications, attention was also paid to practical challenges and issues. In this review, we summarize the features of S. pasteurii cells contributing to the biomineralization reaction, aiming to reveal the mechanism of artificial mineral formation catalyzed by bacterial cells. Progress in the application of this technology in construction and environmental protection is discussed separately. Furthermore, the urgent challenges and issues in large-scale application are also discussed, along with potential solutions. We aim to offer new ideas to researchers working on the mechanisms, applications and challenges of biomineralization.

Keywords: Sporosarcina pasteurii; biomineralization; construction material; removal of heavy metals; urease.

Figure 1

Schematic of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) catalyzed by S. pasteurii cells.

Figure 2

Relevant biological features and biomineralization functions of S. pasteurii cells.

Figure 3

ATP generation through the proton electrochemical potential induced by urea hydrolysis.

Figure 4

Applications of ureolytic biomineralization. Self-healing concrete (A) and bio-bricks (B) are representative cases in the construction field. Desert sand solidification (C) and disposal of harmful metals (D) are representative cases in the environmental protection field.