Enhancing self-healing concrete performance through optimized bacterial spore encapsulation using response surface methodology
8
Issued Date
2026-03-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26661659
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105024856986
Journal Title
Developments in the Built Environment
Volume
25
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Developments in the Built Environment Vol.25 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Intarasoontron J., Jongvivatsakul P., Chindasiriphan P., Likitlersuang S., Rojsitthisak P., Pungrasmi W. Enhancing self-healing concrete performance through optimized bacterial spore encapsulation using response surface methodology. Developments in the Built Environment Vol.25 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.dibe.2025.100828 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114675
Title
Enhancing self-healing concrete performance through optimized bacterial spore encapsulation using response surface methodology
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This study presents the optimization of alginate-encapsulated bacterial spores (AEBS) for self-healing concrete. Bacillus sphaericus LMG 22257 spores were encapsulated in alginate microcapsules using ionotropic gelation, followed by freeze-drying. Response surface methodology was employed to determine the optimal conditions for bacterial spore microencapsulation, considering alginate concentration, calcium chloride concentration, and spore inoculum. The resulting AEBS were characterized in terms of encapsulation yield, capsule hardness, and swelling capacity. Statistical analysis revealed the significance and validity of the model. In addition, colorimetric urea analysis showed that AEBS decomposed urea more effectively than non-encapsulated bacterial spores. The self-healing performance was assessed via image processing and microstructural analysis. The mortar specimens treated with AEBS exhibited a complete crack-healing ratio (100 %) within 14 days, with the formation of CaCO<inf>3</inf> confirmed as the healing product. These findings indicate that AEBS prepared under optimal conditions have a strong potential for crack repair in concrete structures.