Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder used AI to engineer self-healing concrete embedded with photosynthetic bacteria. The AI optimized the bacteria’s nutrient pathways and material porosity, enabling the concrete to repair cracks autonomously.
Technical Insight:
- A generative adversarial network (GAN) simulated 50,000+ microbe-material interactions, identifying strains that thrive in alkaline conditions.
- The final design, 3D-printed with hydrogel scaffolds, reduced CO2 emissions by 30% compared to traditional concrete.
Applications:
- Infrastructure: Bridges and roads that self-repair in humid environments.
- Space Exploration: Building lunar habitats resistant to temperature swings.
Challenges: Scaling production costs and ensuring long-term microbial viability.