Sustainable materials, Geotechnics, Civil engineering
Unmet need
Unstable soils such as sensitive marine clays and thawing permafrost threaten infrastructure, communities, and industry. Sensitive clays can collapse or trigger landslides, while permafrost thaw weakens ground and releases stored carbon. Climate change is accelerating these risks. Conventional stabilization methods like cement and lime are effective but carbon-intensive, while existing biological alternatives are costly and limited in saturated or organic soils. There is therefore an urgent need for scalable, eco-friendly solutions that strengthen ground, reduce emissions, and support global sustainability objectives with comparable cost.
Technology overview
This technology provides a dual-method solution for stabilizing problematic soils while permanently storing carbon using biomineralization. It addresses two major infrastructure risks: unstable sensitive clays and thawing permafrost. First, the Chemo-Bio Composite (CBC) method strengthens weak clays using agricultural waste, yeast, and mineral salts. This blend reduces excess moisture and forms natural mineral bonds that increase soil strength without cement or high-emission materials while recycling waste. Second, the Mycelium-Fungal Induced Calcite Precipitation (MFICP) method targets permafrost and organic soils by integrating oyster mushroom mycelium, yeast, and wood chips to create a durable bio-mineral network that improves soil stability and permanently stores carbon.
Market applications
- Civil Engineering and Soil Stabilization
- Geotechnical Services for Structures and Foundations
- Environmental and Land Development
Competitive advantage
- Sustainable and outperforms conventional methods
- Cost-effective and suitable for large-scale deployment
- Uses waste-derived non-pathogenic materials for safe and eco-friendly applications
Business opportunity
- Partnership for R&D collaboration and/or licensing.
Prof. Pooneh Maghoul
Full Professor
Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering
Expertise
Nadia Nour
Technology Transfer Manager
