USU Engineer Pioneers Sustainable Construction Techniques Using Microbial Materials

Promising research is taking root in the world of structural engineering, led by a local environmental engineer. Erika Espinosa Ortiz is transforming the way we think about building materials, aiming to reduce one of the largest contributors to global CO2 emissions — concrete.

Originally from Mexico, Espinosa-Ortiz has spent the last nine years working in laboratories around the world. From research stints at Montana State University to her current role as an assistant professor at Utah State University, her career is defined by groundbreaking research into soil pollution and wastewater treatment.

However, it is her current research that could have a transformative impact on one of the world's most pressing environmental problems. Cement production is responsible for 8% of global human-caused CO2 emissions. The majority of this comes from the chemical processes involved in making cement, the primary ingredient in concrete. Seeking cleaner alternatives, Espinosa-Ortiz has turned to an unexpected source: microbes.

“My work focuses on using bacteria and fungi to create alternative materials to traditional cement through a process known as biomineralization,” she said. “This method involves microbial builders that induce the precipitation of minerals, forming solid structures that act as building blocks.”

One particular process, biocementation, employs a special type of bacteria called ureolytic bacteria, which produces an enzyme called urease. This enzyme breaks down the bacteria, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate — a key component of cement-like materials. The process has already been proven successful in creating bio-bricks from sand, which could serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete bricks.

In addition to bacteria, Espinosa-Ortiz is also exploring the potential of fungi for biocementation. She believes fungi could offer additional benefits, such as self-healing concrete by encapsulating fungal spores that can later reactivate to repair cracks and damage. This would make structures not only more sustainable but also more durable.

Companies in Denmark have already started using microbial methods to create tiles and bricks, marking the beginning of what could be a major shift in construction practices. Espinosa-Ortiz is optimistic about the potential of microbial materials, reducing our carbon footprint while maintaining the structural integrity that modern construction demands.

"We're just at the beginning of understanding how microbes can help us build the future," she said.

In her free time, Espinosa-Ortiz enjoys paddle boarding, watching horror movies, and spending time with her pug. But, whether on the water or in the lab, she is always pushing boundaries, eager to discover new ways microbes can solve some of the world's biggest challenges.