Unveiling the role of microbial rease in ureolysis-induced calcium carbonate precipitation, Its mechanistic insights, and emerging applications.

Abstract

Urease (urea amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) is a metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbamate, playing a pivotal role in numerous biotechnological applications. Initially sourced from plants (such as Canavalia ensiformis), followed by bacteria (Sporosarcina pasteurii, Bacillus subtilis), fungi (Aspergillus niger), and cyanobacteria, urease has become increasingly significant across a wide range of sectors. This review explores the diverse origins of urease, its intricate catalytic mechanisms, and the regulatory roles of accessory genes that modulate its activity. Special emphasis is placed on microbial ureases and its applications in agriculture, heavy metal remediation, clinical diagnostics, and geotechnical engineering. The review also investigates ureolysis-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (UICP), with a focus on the environmental and biochemical factors that influence this process. A comparison between microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is provided, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. Additionally, recent advancements in optimizing UICP through machine learning techniques are discussed, aiming to enhance process efficiency and scalability. Overall, this review underscores the substantial potential of urease-driven technologies in offering sustainable solutions across a variety of industrial and environmental applications.