Microorganisms from ancient unique structures: physiology, genetics, application prospects

The object of research is bioconcrete, incorporating specific bacterial species along with additional components beyond conventional concrete, exhibits self-healing properties through microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). Method. Viable bacterial spores were isolated from ancient mortar fragments from Chersonesus Taurica (modern Sevastopol, Russia) and evaluated for growth at pH 10, urease activity, calcium carbonate precipitation, and tolerance to concrete processing conditions. Results. Genomic sequencing of three promising alkalophilic strains identified one as a potential new species, Sutcliffiella sp., and two as Cytobacillus horneckiae, all within the family Bacillaceae. Genomic analysis revealed genes associated with carbonate ion production and alkaline resistance. These findings demonstrate the potential of ancient bacterial strains for bioconcrete applications and provide a genomic basis for selecting microorganisms with enhanced durability and self-healing capabilities.