Researchers believe that a special hydrogel could render harmless chemical pollutants produced by the textile industry.
Water pollution is a growing problem worldwide. Studies have already shown that the chemical industry alone discharges 300 to 400 megatons of industrial waste into water bodies annually, writes Inverse.
To solve this problem, a team of materials scientists at the University of California, San Diego is focusing on developing a “living material” that could render harmless chemical pollutants produced by the textile industry. The team notes that water pollution is an environmental and human problem, and therefore its solution is important not only for human health, but also for the planet as a whole.
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In the study, scientists created an “engineered living material” containing programmed bacteria embedded in a soft hydrogel material. The basis of the new material is a hydrogel – it is soft and consists mainly of water, as well as chemical seaweed – a natural biodegradable polymer based on alginate.
The team states that it is the alginate hydrogel that provides reliable physical support to the bacterial cells. The study authors note that they chose alginate as the base because it is porous and retains water well, allowing bacterial cells to obtain nutrients from the environment.
After the scientists created the hydrogel, they added photosynthetic bacteria (cyanobacteria) into it. These bacteria still need to absorb light and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, which keeps them alive. The new hydrogel turned out to be porous enough to make the “living material” as effective as possible.
During the study, scientists genetically modified bacterial DNA so that the cells could create a specific enzyme, lactase. This enzyme chemically reacts with the contaminant, converting it into a form that is no longer functional. In simple words, this enzyme makes the pollutant non-toxic.
The scientists tested the “living material” by placing it in a solution of industrial paint contaminants. Scientists found that their product can remove all color from a paint mass in about 10 days. Note that in the experiment, scientists used indigo carmine dye, one of the most common pollutants in industrial wastewater.
Scientists then wanted to make sure their “living material” was safe for the environment. To do this, they engineered the bacteria to produce a block that could damage the bacteria’s cell membrane. The genetic circuit is programmed to respond to a harmless chemical called theophylline, commonly found in caffeine, tea and chocolate. As a result, scientists discovered that they could destroy bacterial cells at will.
The study’s authors hope that “living materials” will ultimately help solve the problem of water pollution on Earth.
Focus has previously written that scientists have created a filter that removes microplastics from water.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.