The Effects of Paenibacillus polymyxa E681 on Antifungal and Crack Remediation of Cement Paste

This study investigated the antifungal effects of cement paste containing Paenibacillus polymyxa E681 against Aspergillus niger, a deleterious fungus commonly found in cement buildings and structures. To test the antifungal effects, cement paste containing P. polymyxa E681 was neutralized by CO₂ gas, and the fungal growth inhibition was examined according to the clear zone around the cement specimen. In addition to the antifungal effects of the cement paste added with bacteria, calcium crystal precipitation of P. polymyxa E681 was examined by qualitative and quantitative analyses. The cement paste containing P. polymyxa E681 showed strong antifungal effects but fusA mutant (deficient in fusaricidin synthesis) showed no antifungal activity. Crack sealing of the cement paste treated with P. polymyxa E681 was captured by light microscope showed fungal growth inhibition and crack repairing in cement paste.