LUMINOSA - LUminescent porphyrin Metal-organIc frameworks as oxygeN cOnsumption reporterS for bacteria-induced repair of concrete microcrAcks

Prompt intervention to repair cracks in concrete is crucial to prevent large-scale structural failures and avert consequent socioeconomic disruptions. Biomineralization recently emerged as an alternative to the current labour- and time-intensive concrete repair techniques, which cause a staggering 4-6 billion Eur yearly expenditure. Biomineralization exploits calcite precipitation promoted by bacteria seeded in concrete, sealing microcracks and preventing water penetration and fracture expansion.

This approach can afford self-healing construction materials that drastically reduce the cost and carbon footprint of concrete structures maintenance. Development of biomineralization into a widely applied technique relies on the ability to monitor bacteria survival in concrete environment in real time, to guarantee reliable calcite deposition for optimal repair.

The LUMINOSA project aims at developing innovative optical sensors to assess bacteria viability by mapping oxygen consumption in concrete microcracks during biomineralization treatment. We will synthesise a library of oxygen-responsive platinum porphyrins bearing carboxylic groups (Obj 1).

We will incorporate these species in metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to afford luminescent sensors with enhanced response in aqueous environment (Obj 2). We will exploit the oxygen responsiveness of the MOFs to visualise/map oxygen consumption by biomineralization-capable bacteria populations in concrete microcracks (Obj 3). Successful delivery of this project will widen the applicability of optical sensing in biomineralization, deepening field-specific knowledge and enabling a high-impacting technology for societal benefit.

This highly interdisciplinary project is tailored to enhance the prospect of academic career through building a broad research portfolio, generating opportunities to forge independent intersectoral networks, strengthening track record and expanding research specific and transferrable skills.