Self-Assembled Living Microreactors for Selective Microcystin Removal via Cascade Sieving, Adsorption and...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Harmful cyanobacterial blooms release microcystins, posing a significant threat to global water safety.
• Existing water treatment methods struggle with selective and efficient microcystin removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a self-assembled living microreactor for integrated microcystin degradation.
• To investigate the microreactor's performance under various environmental conditions and its potential for water remediation.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of microcystin-degrading bacteria within a biochar-reinforced double-network hydrogel.
• Evaluation of the microreactor's selectivity, degradation efficiency, and stability under harsh conditions (pH, ions, organic matter).
• Assessment of performance in repeated cycles and continuous biofiltration using environmental water samples.

Main Results:

• The microreactor demonstrated size- and charge-selective removal of microcystins, outperforming other organic matter removal.
• High degradation efficiency was maintained under challenging conditions (pH 5-9, 10-200 mg/L inorganic ions, 5-20 mg/L organic matter).
• The system showed excellent mechanical stability, minimal cell leakage, and achieved nearly complete microcystin-LR removal over five cycles and in continuous flow.

Conclusions:

• The living microreactor offers a scalable and effective solution for microcystin remediation.
• The design paradigm provides a generalizable approach for creating programmable living materials for complex aqueous systems.
• This technology presents new opportunities for selective biodegradation and environmental remediation.