A new study presents the development of a vibrant building material based on mycelium (the radical structure of fungi) and bacteria that produce calcium carbonate, with the aim of creating sustainable, self -repairing structures.

The study, published in Cell Reports Physical Science in April 2025, reveals one Innovative biometallization processwhere the bacteria are incorporated into the mycelium to produce a hard structure. This material, developed from natural materials, can provide a very promising alternative to traditional cement, which is responsible for about 8% of global coâ‚‚ emissions each year.

OR Head of the study, Chelsea HeveranAssistant Professor of Engineering at the University of Montana, explained that the basic innovation of research is the ability to preserve live microorganisms for long periods, which makes the material more flexible and dynamic than traditional building materials. While existing biometallized materials are alive for just a few days, this team has managed to keep the bacteria active for at least four weeks, and this duration is expected to expand in the future.

The process of biometallization includes the collaboration of two organisms: Mycelium, which provides a strong base, and the bacteria of the SPOROSARCINA PASTEURII, which produce urea carbonate from urea. The result is a structure that is not only durable but also has the ability to self -repair. As Heveran explained, ‘This process creates a material that can recover and repair any damage, making it extremely durable and long lasting“

This innovative discovery comes at a time when the need for more sustainable building materials is more urgent than ever. The construction sector, and in particular the production of cement, is responsible for huge greenhouse gas emissions. Creating live materials that are constantly renewed could reduce the carbon dependency industry and reduce the ecological footprint of construction.

However, although mycelium and bacteria are very promising, there are still several challenges before these live materials are ready for commercial use. The durability and duration of living materials must be further examined, especially in more demanding climate and environmental data. Scientists should also ensure that these materials are safe for use in homes and that they will not be a risk to human health.

THE Avinash Manjula-Basavannaa senior researcher at Northeastern University, who did not participate in the research, explained that although the living materials are very promising, their durability is not yet comparable to concrete. Nevertheless, Mycelian materials could be applied to small constructions, such as small houses or lighter constructions, and, due to their pleasant nature, they could also be used in space where the transfer of traditional building materials is a huge challenge.

Heveran’s team hopes that in the future, living materials could expand to recognize environmental changes. Heveran cites as an example the use of these materials on walls that could detect poor air quality and trigger the material renewal process.

Although research is still at an early stage, the potential of this technology is exciting. “Society could benefit significantly from these materials, especially for the construction of infrastructure in areas facing high needs“, Said Heveran. In the future, these living materials can be the cornerstone of a more viable and intelligent architecture.