Nanotechnologies in Construction: A Scientific Internet-Journal

2075-8545

ООО "Центр новых технологий "НаноСтроительство"

10.15828/2075-8545-2026-18-4-507-520

RVMPIK

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SCIENCE

Review Article

From nanoto macro-scale: a review of fungal-induced biomineralization mechanisms for self-healing and strengthening of materials

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7168-3174

https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?authorid=1317233

Budnikova

Anna A.

Laboratory Researcher, National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering; General Director, Mycokarst

anna.budnikova92@gmail.com

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3697-9201

https://elibrary.ru/author_profile.asp?authorid=631269

Topchiy

Dmitry V.

Dr. Sci. (Technics), Full Professor; Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Head of the Structural Testing Department

topchiydv@mgsu.ru

MoscowRussian FederationNational Research Moscow State University of Civil EngineeringLLC Mycokarst

22082026

1845075202606202618082026

2026

Anna A. Budnikova, Dmitry V. Topchiy

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License.

https://nanobuild.ru/en_EN/journal/Nanobuild-4-2026/507-520.pdf

Introduction. This review systematizes the key mechanisms of fungal-induced biomineralization for the self-healing and strengthening of mineral materials - calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) precipitation through urea hydrolysis and mycelial metabolic activity (FICP), as well as calcium oxalate (CaC₂O₄) formation via oxalic acid secretion (FIOP). Materials and methods. The review is based on an analysis of peer-reviewed scientific studies (Scopus, Web of Science), and more than 80% of them were published within the last five years (2022-2026). The analysis focused on qualitative and quantitative indicators of fungal impact on treated materials’ properties - mineral composition and yield, strength gains, and reduced water absorption, confirmed by nano- and microscopy methods. Results and discussion. A relationship between fungal species and strains, biomineralization mechanisms, medium compositions, and material strengthening effects has been identified in the study. It has been established that Trichoderma reesei, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger, and Neurospora crassa effectively induce carbonate biomineralization, enhancing self-healing and durability in concrete and soil matrices. Pleurotus ostreatus is considered a model organism capable of precipitating both calcium oxalates and carbonates, and forming bio-reinforcement that enables cyclic self-healing and strengthening of mineral material structures. However, implementing these biotechnologies requires developing application protocols and standards, as well as validation under real operating conditions. Conclusion. The present review provides a scientific base for further experimental developments and confirms the potential of fungal cultures for the self-healing and stabilization of mineral materials in construction, geotechnical engineering, and related fields.

biomineralizationbiocementationfungiengineered living materials (ELM)microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICPFICP)nanoscalecalcium oxalateself-healing materials

The research was funded by the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering.

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