Fellow Project
2025–2026
From Microbes to Materials Cyanobacterial Carbonate Biomineralization for Eco-Friendly Cement
Project by
The cement industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. It is responsible for approximately 6 % of total global CO₂ emissions, with direct process and energy-related emissions reaching 2.4 Gt CO₂ in 2023. This footprint makes cement one of the largest “single emitters” globally. Microbial carbonate precipitation, particularly microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), represents a promising alternative route to cement production.
This project will integrate microbiology, geochemistry, and materials science to:
- characterize local cyanobacteria;
- study mechanisms of carbonate formation;
- develop and test bio-cement prototypes.
Expected outcomes include a proof-of-concept for bio-cement, data on CO₂ sequestration efficiency, and insights into scaling this technology by modelling efforts. By using cyanobacteria native to Lake Greifen (Greifensee), this project seeks to develop a locally adapted, scalable bio-cement system that leverages photosynthetic CO₂ capture and biomineralization—offering a sustainable alternative to conventional cement.
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