Antimicrobial Concrete for Development: A Critical Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the incorporation of self-disinfectant properties into construction materials, particularly concrete, to mitigate the risks of pathogen transmission during health crises. From 2000 to 2020, over 60 scholarly publications featured the phrase 'antimicrobial concrete,' which showed the growing concerns for future needs. While some studies have investigated antimicrobial concrete (AMC) properties in specific applications, a comprehensive exploration of concrete's antimicrobial characteristics for developing self-cleansing buildings remains limited. The existing research in this area primarily addresses specific issues, leaving a knowledge gap on how AMCs can effectively enhance self-disinfection during health crises. This review aims to fill this gap by thoroughly assessing the current knowledge on potential applications of AMC and their suitability in diverse post-COVID era contexts. The study extensively examines the effects of antimicrobial agents (AMAs) from organic and inorganic sources on microorganisms, evaluating their benefits and limitations when incorporated into concrete. Moreover, it also assesses how these agents influence concrete's rheological and mechanical characteristics. Findings reveal challenges in formulating efficient AMCs, such as the exorbitant cost of inorganic AMAs, which can range from $500 to $5000 per kg, as well as health apprehensions among end-users and the absence of regulatory frameworks. Using AMAs from organic sources, perceived as easily accessible, cost-effective, and less hazardous, can mitigate these challenges. Furthermore, the review outlines future research considerations for effective AMC development. This scholarly contribution advances knowledge on safer and more resilient construction materials, explicitly addressing future public health issues.