Development of sustainable core-shell materials with bacterial encapsulation for biological fouling control in membrane bioreactors

This project focuses on the use of Quorum Quenching (QQ) as a strategy to control fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The objective is to develop a sustainable solution that inhibits or delays biofilm formation, which is a major cause of membrane fouling, while minimizing environmental impact. The approach is bio-inspired, relying on the disruption of intercellular communication between microorganisms. The proposed strategy involves the encapsulation of bacteria within porous supports (QQ-MAT), enabling them to interfere with the quorum sensing signals of biofilm-forming microbial communities [1,2]. However, currently available QQ-MAT systems present limitations, particularly in terms of structural stability under operating conditions. To address these durability challenges, the project proposes an innovative approach to optimize the structure and composition of QQ-MATs. For the first time in this field, a controlled-porosity silica coating will be developed on QQ-MATs using a sol-gel process, with the aim of producing durable porous materials based on bio-based polymers and synthesized through mild chemistry techniques.

The materials developed will be characterized using a wide range of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray tomography, nitrogen adsorption, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and textural analysis.

References

[1] Kim, S. R. et al. Biofouling control with bead-entrapped quorum quenching bacteria in membrane bioreactors: Physical and biological effects. Environ. Sci. Technol. 47, 836–842 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1021/es303995s

[2] Mideksa, E. et al. Preparation and Characterization of Novel Polyvinyl Alcohol-Alginate Beads for Quorum Quenching Application in Membrane Bioreactors. J. Polym. Environ. 1–27 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-024-03304-7

https://www.toulouse-biotechnology-institute.fr

This scientific work will be carried out by a PhD candidate with a background in chemistry or materials science, and strong skills in physical chemistry. The candidate must be autonomous and have strong analytical and synthesis skills.