Biofilms encapsulated with sol-gel

Abstract

A method and composition for enhancing the stability and biodegradation potential of biofilms used in environmental remediation. The described approach involves encapsulating biofilm-enriched black carbon (BC) with a sol-gel matrix formed from tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), optionally including additives such as glycerol, polyethylene glycol (PEG400), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The sol-gel encapsulation provides a protective, porous, and mechanically stable coating that prevents biofilm washout and maintains cell viability under adverse environmental conditions, such as high salinity and continuous shear force. The encapsulated biofilms demonstrate prolonged degradation of pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), over extended periods without additional carbon sources. The sol-gel matrix allows efficient mass transfer of contaminants to the biofilms while preserving biofilm integrity. This technology is applicable to in situ sediment remediation, bioreactors, and other bioremediation applications, offering a robust solution for mitigating environmental pollutants and enhancing public health and ecosystem safety.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.