A significant portion of waste is of biological origin. These wastes are suitable as food for bacteria. Tartu University scientist Hans Priks created a hydrogel hotel for microbes in his doctoral thesis. There, bacteria can live and process waste.
Hans Priks is researching how waste could be better utilized. For example, cotton clothing consists of cellulose. Cellulose can be converted into glucose, which is food for bacteria.
Currently, bacteria are grown in liquid. This method works well, but outside the laboratory, problems arise. Bacteria must not escape into the environment. The process also needs to be stable.
Hans Priks tried a new type of hydrogel cubes. These cubes keep the bacteria inside and provide them with free space to work. The cubes are a flexible material. They are like rubber or silicone.
In the cubes, bacteria can work peacefully. The cubes are like a hotel for microbes. There, bacteria can live comfortably and work. The cubes can also withstand intensive use.
Hans Priks tested the cubes with brewer's yeast. He provided the yeast with glucose and measured ethanol production. The cubes worked well. They can be used repeatedly.
The cubes could also be used in space. The cubes are carried dried. In a crisis, they can simply be placed in feedstock. Bacteria work and produce necessary compounds.
Hans Priks continues his research. He wants to make the cubes even better. His goal is to find more applications. The cubes can help better utilize waste.