Polymeric materials used for immobilisation of bacteria for the bioremediation of contaminants in water
Berillo D. Al-Jwaid A. Caplin J.
1 April 2021MDPI AG
Polymers
2021#13Issue 7
Bioremediation is a key process for reclaiming polluted soil and water by the use of biological agents. A commonly used approach aims to neutralise or remove harmful pollutants from contaminated areas using live microorganisms. Generally, immobilised microorganisms rather than planktonic cells have been used in bioremediation methods. Activated carbon, inorganic minerals (clays, metal oxides, zeolites), and agricultural waste products are acceptable substrates for the immobilisation of bacteria, although there are limitations with biomass loading and the issue with leaching of bacteria during the process. Various synthetic and natural polymers with different functional groups have been used successfully for the efficient immobilisation of microorganisms and cells. Promise has been shown using macroporous materials including cryogels with entrapped bacteria or cells in applications for water treatment and biotechnology. A cryogel is a macroporous polymeric gel formed at sub-zero temperatures through a process known as cryogelation. Macroporous hydrogels have been used to make scaffolds or supports for immobilising bacterial, viral, and other cells. The production of composite materials with immobilised cells possessing suitable mechanical and chemical stability, porosity, elasticity, and biocompatibility suggests that these materials are potential candidates for a range of applications within applied microbiology, biotechnology, and research. This review evaluates applications of macroporous cryogels as tools for the bioremediation of contaminants in wastewater.
Bacteria immobilisation , Biofilm , Bioremediation , Cryogels , Water purification
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School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, United Kingdom
Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry, Pharmacognosy and Botany School of Pharmacy, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, United Kingdom
Environment and Pollution Engineering Technical Department, Basrah Engineering Technical College, Southern Technical University, Basra, 61003, Iraq
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Department of Biotechnology
Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry
School of Environment and Technology
Environment and Pollution Engineering Technical Department
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