Sustainable self-healing concrete technologies: a review of bacteria-induced mechanisms and their effects on structural integrity, mechanical properties and durability

Purpose This review provides a holistic and critical examination of bacteria-based self-healing concrete, aiming to bridge the research gap between fundamental bio-mineralization mechanisms and their integrated effects on structural integrity, mechanical properties and long-term durability. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was performed, synthesizing findings from microstructural analyses and experimental studies. The methodology focused on key parameters governing performance, including bacterial strains, nutrient sources, encapsulation strategies and environmental conditions. Findings Bacteria-induced calcite precipitation can seal cracks up to 0.97 mm, significantly enhancing structural integrity. At optimal concentrations (104−107 cfu/mL), select bacteria increase compressive strength by up to 32% and achieve gains of 14–29% in flexural and tensile strength at the optimal dosage. Advanced encapsulation techniques, crucial for microbial viability, facilitate significant durability gains, including up to a 50% reduction in permeability and a 45–55% decrease in chloride ion ingress. Despite these advantages, challenges related to cost, large-scale implementation and the environmental impact of ureolytic byproducts remain critical hurdles. Originality/value By integrating multifaceted performance data, this review provides a comprehensive assessment of the potential and current limitations of bacteria-based self-healing concrete. It provides a unified framework to guide future research toward developing cost-effective, scalable encapsulation methods and ecologically sound self-healing concrete, accelerating its transition from laboratory validation to reliable field application.