Researchers from the U.K.’s University of Hertfordshire have developed a new limewash for building surfaces that incorporates bacteria to form a barrier against erosion.

The new limewash — which is a mix of lime, minerals and water that is applied directly to and soaks into brick instead of sitting directly on top of it — includes non-pathogenic bacteria.

Source: Hertfordshire University

According to the limewash developers, the bacteria increase the amount of carbon dioxide absorbable by a building’s surfaces via photosynthesis, which enables the generation of additional calcium carbonate that serves as a barrier against erosion and encourages self-repair.

The researchers are currently trialing the bacteria-enhanced limewash with whiskey maker Whyte & Mackay. Located on the Isle of Jura off the west coast of Scotland, the distillery is exposed to wind-driven rains that damage the building surfaces and results in the need for annual re-coating.

The enhanced limewash is expected to reduce the frequency of maintenance on buildings and, consequently, disruptions to business that such maintenance might incur.

A prototype of the limewash is expected to be developed by July 2023.