Work

Design workflow for porous 3D-printed biocement geometries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) offers a low-energy, carbon-efficient alternative to traditional mineral material production, yet its integration into digital fabrication for architectural applications remains limited. This research presents a design-to-biofabrication workflow that combines computational geometry, robotic extrusion-based 3D printing and MICP. The study introduces a methodology that uses porosity, surface-area-to-volume (SA/V) ratio, interlayer connectivity and overhang capacity as coupled design parameters that balance biocementation requirements and fabrication constraints. Through iterative testing of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) geometries, an “Optimized Unit” was developed and refined to improve printability and biomineralization efficiency. The workflow is validated through a 1 m 2 architectural partition wall demonstrator that illustrates the potential for modular biomineralized architectural components. The results show that calibrated geometric control enables stable extrusion while enhancing mineral distribution, demonstrating a pathway towards architecturally scaled bio-fabricated mineral components.

Source: Biotechnology Design

DOI: 10.1017/s2977905726100286

Authors: Karen A. Antorveza Paez, Shuyi Huang, Kai Hsun Yeh, Kevin Seav, Benjamin Dillenburger

Institutions: ETH Zurich, Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Microbial Applications in Construction Materials

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550