The present invention provides an MMP-inhibitory composition comprising chalcone or its derivatives. More specifically, the invention describes the identification, characterization and isolation of novel bacteria having the remarkable ability to transform lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars and, even more remarkably, into bioenergy products and metabolites. The geomembrane prevents the intrusion of liquids including deicing salts into the structural layers of roads, bridges, or the like abating deterioration in the structural layers such as corrosion of reinforcing steel.