Synthesis, study and optimization of programmable biofilms for catalysis and waste water remediation

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The proposed program utilizes microfluidics coupled with new analytical tools, currently being developed in the Greener Group, to study a novel class of biomaterials synthesized under highly specified hydrodynamic, chemical and thermal conditions. Specifically, we will focus on living biofilms (BFs), as a new class of materials for potential technology in areas such as, catalysis, bio-MEMS, environmental remediation. Relevance will also be extended to current areas such as health, food and naval shipping. We aim to control BF functionality for development of microbial reactors. We will also develop nano-bio materials with enhanced catalytic properties. Analytical tools used in this work will include a suite of imaging techniques including Raman spectroscopy for chemical and thermal imaging, site-specific electrochemical measurements and optical microscopy. Microfluidic (MF) channels are the ideal environment to study BFs because of their unparalleled control over hydrodynamics, chemical reagent concentrations and heat transfer. However, there is currently a mis-match between control and the limited array of in situ characterization modes in MFs. Therefore, high-impact research in this area will require the development proper analytical methods suited for these studies. With my background in microfluidic fabrication and in situ characterization along with important preliminary results, we will develop a new class of bioreactors capable of generating organized patterns of BFs using a newly developed flow-templated bioreactor (FTBR). We will subject these BFs to precise hydrodynamic, thermal and chemical conditions, and study the results with in situ spectroscopic and microscopic imaging. Our proposed research program is divided into four parts: (i) Fabrication of new FTBRs; (ii) Generation of controlled BF formations under highly specified hydrodynamic growth conditions and the study of their growth kinetics and mechanical using new FTBRs; (iii) Optimised chemical kinetic studies of BF catalysis; and (iv) highly novel studies of nano-BF hybrid materials for multi-step catalysis, where we will explore nano-BF hybrid materials that enhance catalytic performance over natural BFs by utilizing catalytic properties of trapped nanoparticles. This program will have excellent synergy with a funded project through (FRQNT), which will develop electrically conductive nano-bio hybrid biofilms using carbon nanotube (CNT)-BFs with applications to microbial fuel cells. Through the work of this research program we will establish ourselves as among the first in the world to apply spectroscopic tools and MFs to conduct highly controlled measurements of reproducible BFs. Deliverables will include the development of a novel bioreactor capable of patterning BFs with reproducible dimensions, new methods to control BF growth and their properties, integration of catalytic BF materials into microdevices for new technological applications, the development of the new concept of nano-bio hybrid biofilm materials. These studies will be directed toward the ultimate goal of developing of a new class of materials that have the potential to significantly contribute to new methods of energy production, chemical synthesis and waste water remediation. This program will be integral in the advancement of our commitment to developing new green technology that will lessen our impact on the environment, providing a stimulating training opportunity for highly qualified personnel, and the development of novel Canadian innovations that will help the economy and contribute to Canada’s highly skilled work force.