Use of biodegradable PHA-based nanofibers to removing microorganisms from water

The most frequent type of waste water treatment is based on aerobic and anaerobic microbial decontamination. Nevertheless, presence of many toxic substances was found in treated water. Nanofibrous membranes are very prospective solution in the field of liquid filtration. Nanofibrous membranes enables separation of bacteria, particles and also molecular filtration of risk compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), namely polyhydroxybutyrate is microbial polymer produced biotechnologically by some bacteria. This polymer is very suitable for water filtration because of its hydrophobicity and biodegradability. This work is focused on preparation and testing of modified PHA-based filters for water filtration and decontamination. Fibers were prepared by electrospinning and spin-coating techniques. For better effect of electrospinning some functional groups were included into PHA structure. PHA fibrous material was tested as high-volume nano-textile membrane. Several bacterial strains were filtered and separation capacity of PHA membranes was evaluated. It can be summarized that PHA-based polymers are quite suitable for removing of both gramnegative and grampositive strains as well as yeasts. Further advantage of PHA based material is that after use the filter with separated microbial cells and other impurities can be composting. Under composting conditions the fibrous material can be fully biodegraded during several days or weeks.