(UoM – IIT KGP) Development and performance assessment of a cyanobacterial bio-concrete capable of self-healing by sequestering CO2 from atmosphere

Concrete and traditional Portland cement materials are responsible for around 7-8% of the anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) production. Also, concrete made up of traditional cement are more prone to damages. Both micro as well as macro level crack formation takes place, gradually damaging the concrete structure through ingression of moisture with time. This poses potential threat to the civil infrastructure, which increases the necessity for the self-healing technology in concrete. Therefore, this project explores the potential of cyanobacteria for the development of self-healing bio-concrete. Cyanobacteria, being photosynthetic microorganisms, utilize CO2 from the environment to generate metabolic oxygen. The cyanobacterial calcification coupled with CO2 utilization would expectedly develop a new technology of self-healing concrete capable of capturing CO2 directly from atmosphere in a built-environment.

The project begins with the identification and selection of a potential cyanobacterial strain capable of developing self-healing bio-concrete. The conditions necessary for the healing would be then fine-tuned and optimized using advanced experimental designs. Next, a systems biology approach would be employed to understand the molecular pathways responsible for cyanobacterial calcification. The construction of detailed pathways for calcification are critical for enhancing the self-healing properties of the bio-concrete.

With the optimized conditions in place, lab-scale production would be carried out. A heat tolerant self-healing powder mixture would be developed considering the heat generation during the time of concrete mixing.

The self-healing bio-concrete, made by blending Portland cement with the powder, would be tested for a variety of parameters including self-healing efficiency, CO2 sequestration potential, and the mechanical strength of the concrete both before and after the healing process. The bio-concrete’s durability would be assessed under real-world conditions, including aging and simulated polluted environments, n order to evaluate its practical viability for use in sustainable construction.

A small-scale building-like structure would be constructed in a controlled, glasshouse environment, replicating outdoor weathering and pollution conditions. This would serve as a pilot demonstration for testing the long-term performance of the self-healing bio-concrete under real environmental stress. Key metrices such as durability, healing time, CO2 sequestration during the healing process etc. would be monitored, paving the way for future deployment in large-scale construction projects.

Thus, by combining cutting-edge Biotechnology with Civil Engineering, this project potentiates to create a new generation of construction materials which are not only durable but also environmentally sustainable. The self-healing bio-concrete developed through this project could drastically reduce maintenance costs, extend the lifespan of structures, and contribute to the global efforts made to reduce CO2 emissions. 

Before you apply  

We recommend you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before applying

How to apply 

Submit an online application through the IIT Kharagpur’s website https://international.iitkgp.ac.in/admission/jdp-uoman/ The site also lists required documents

Any questions about an application, please contact the team(s) by email: 

– University of Manchester: fse.doctoralacademy.specialistprogrammes@manchester.ac.uk

– IIT Kharagpur: ir-office@adm.iitkgp.ac.in 

 Eligibility 

1. Candidates may only apply for projects approved by the Joint Academic Board. 

2. For Indian residents, the programme is open to graduates B.Tech. or M.Sc./M.Tech. graduate from any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10. 

3. For residents of other countries, it is open to graduates of Institutes/Universities within QS WUR of 500 (published in 2024) [link: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings/2024]. 

4. Candidates must be able to undertake PhD studies at IIT Kharagpur from July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter with no requirement for a (further) visa to study in India. 

5. Willingness to travel to the UK to undertake 2 years of study based at The University of Manchester if such travel is permitted by UK and India governments. 

6. Holds or expects to obtain a 2:1 class honours undergraduate degree or higher (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

7. Ideally Preferably holds a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent – contact the Admissions Team for details). 

8. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated our English language requirements page [https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/], and in particular securing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of 90 with no less than 20 in each component equivalent or equivalent. The TOEFL/IELTS exam may be taken after the final selection and award of scholarship, and prior to joining IIT Kharagpur. 

9. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them. 

10. Demonstrate to fulfil The University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification: 

* Educational background matches research project. 

* Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team. 

* Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload. 

* Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them. 

* Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject. 

* Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities. 

* An interest in continuous personal and professional development. 

* Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

* Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research. 

Equality, Diversity and inclusion 

Equality, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to our activities. Diversity strengthens our research community, enhancing creativity, productivity, quality, and societal impact. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and all community sections, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or transgender status.

We also welcome those returning from career breaks or other roles and consider flexible study arrangements.

For the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion information click here

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