10171609LivingStone: Programmable Self-Healing Bio-Concrete for Sustainable InfrastructureClosedFast Start ResponseInnovate UKLivingStone is a **research and development project** focused on the creation of a **programmable, self-healing bio-concrete** designed to enhance the **longevity, safety, and sustainability of the built environment**. This next-generation construction material integrates **synthetic biology and advanced materials science** to enable concrete structures to **autonomously repair damage and detect structural stress**, improving resilience and reducing lifecycle costs. The bio-concrete incorporates **dormant bacterial spores** that become activated in the presence of **moisture and air**, typical indicators of micro-crack formation. Once activated, the engineered bacteria biologically produce **calcium carbonate**, a natural mineral that fills and seals the developing cracks. This **self-healing process** can significantly extend the **functional lifespan of infrastructure**, reducing both the frequency and **carbon cost of manual maintenance**. In addition to self-repair, LivingStone introduces a **biological early warning system**. The embedded microbes are designed with **synthetic gene circuits** to give off a safe **fluorescent light or gas** when they sense stress on the structure that goes beyond set limits. This capability enables **real-time diagnostics**, allowing for **predictive maintenance rather than reactive repair**. Site managers will be able to detect and interpret these **biosignals using a dedicated portable or embedded reader**, offering a new tool for **infrastructure management and risk prevention**. During this feasibility-stage project, the development team will: * Formulate a **durable, construction-compatible matrix** to support bacterial survival and activation * Develop and encapsulate engineered strains of **Bacillus subtilis** with targeted self-healing and biosensing functions * Design and prototype a **signal detection device** for use in operational settings * Validate performance in **simulated damage scenarios** using laboratory-scale concrete samples * Investigate **regulatory considerations, environmental safety, and commercial deployment routes** LivingStone is particularly relevant for applications in **bridges, tunnels, marine infrastructure, and high-risk civil structures**, where **early detection of degradation and minimisation of repair costs are critical**. The innovation supports the UK's broader goals around **net-zero construction, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development**, while also enhancing safety standards and operational efficiency. This project aligns with the **Engineering Biology priority area** identified by Innovate UK and contributes to the emerging field of **living materials**, a novel class of smart systems that combine **biological function with conventional structural performance**. It offers the potential to position the UK as a leader in **bio-enabled infrastructure technologies**. LivingStone is led by a **UK-registered microbusiness** with cross-disciplinary expertise in **synthetic biology, materials engineering, and environmental sustainability** and is supported through Innovate UK's **New Innovators funding programme**.