BIOREACTOR CONSIDERATIONS
References:
“Sporosarcina Pasteurii (Miquel) Yoon Et Al. (ATCC® 11859™).” Sporosarcina Pasteurii (Miquel) Yoon Et Al. ATCC ® 11859™, www.atcc.org/products/all/11859.aspx#generalinformation.
Bhaduri, Swayamdipta, et al. “Microbiologically Induced Calcite Precipitation Mediated by Sporosarcina Pasteurii: Protocol.” JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments), 16 Apr. 2016, www.jove.com/v/53253/microbiologically-induced-calcite-precipitation-mediated-sporosarcina.
Nething, Christoph, et al. “A Method for 3D Printing Bio-Cemented Spatial Structures Using Sand and Urease Active Calcium Carbonate Powder.” Materials & Design, vol. 195, 2020, p. 109032., doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2020.109032.
Week of 03/15
This week I investigated the processes involved in S. Pasteurii MICP which consists of 2 main steps: propagation and cementation. For propagation
the bacteria needs to be incubated in a broth made from yeast extract, ammonium sulfate, tris buffer, and agar in DI water. Each component needs to be
autoclaved separately before combining. The bacteria is then introduced into the nutrient broth and incubated for 24hrs+ until growth is visible.
To enact the process of MICP the propagated bacterial broth needs to combined with urea and calcium chloride within the earthen material.
I also started to establish some considerations that the tank will need to take into account to keep the bacteria alive during the extrusion process. For example, the bacteria tank may require a mixer to keep the solution homogeneous as well as a temperature sensor and warming element. If the cementation solution is kept separate from the nutrient solution a ph meter will also be necessary to ensure a pH of 9. Depending on the time it takes to move the bacteria through the tank and hose, we may also need to add an oxygen inlet. Lastly, including some loose aggregate in the earthen material can be beneficial to ensure fluid flow and oxygenation as the bacteria is mixed in the auger.