Sporosarcina pasteurii formerly known as Bacillus pasteurii from older taxonomies, is a gram positive bacterium with the ability to precipitate calcite and solidify sand given a calcium source and urea; through the process of microbiologically induced calcite precipitation (MICP) or biological cementation.

Researchers studied the bacteria in conjunction with plastic and hard mineral; forming a material stronger than bone.

[3] It is a commonly used for MICP since it is non-pathogenic and is able to produce high amounts of the enzyme urease which hydrolyzes urea to carbonate and ammonia.

S. pasteurii are able to induce the hydrolysis of urea and use it as a source of energy by producing and secreting the urease enzyme.

This includes finding the optimal temperature, pH, urea concentration, bacterial density, oxygen levels, etc.

[9] S. pasteurii have the unique capability of hydrolyzing urea and through a series of reactions, produce carbonate ions.

Since the bacteria remain intact during harsh mineralization conditions, are robust, and carry a negative surface charge, they serve as good nucleation sites for MICP.

The extent of this interaction depends on a variety of factors including the characteristics of the cell surface, amount of peptidoglycan, amidation level of free carboxyl, and availability of teichoic acids.

This has a benefit of minimal human intervention and yields more durable concrete with higher compressive strength.

[9] One potential fix is to couple this bacterium in the biocement with oxygen releasing compounds (ORCs) that are typically used for bioremediation and removal of pollutants from soil.