A cryogel-based bioreactor for water treatment applications

High cell density bioreactor for biodegradation of different phenols was prepared. We used a straightforward one-step preparation method using cryostructuration and direct cross-linking of bacteria membranes into a 3D structured (sponge-like) macroporous cryogel composite material consisting of 11.6% cells and 1.2-1.7% polymer, with approximately 87% water (in the material pores). The macroporous cryogel composite material, composed of viable bacteria, has pore sizes in the range of 20-150 μm. The bioremediation activity of bacteria within the cryogel structure and the effect of freezing on the viability of the cross-linked cells was estimated by MTT assay. Cryogels based on Pseudomonas mendocina, Rhodococcus koreensis and Acinetobacter radioresistens were exploited for the effective bioremediation of phenol and m-cresol, and to a lesser extent 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol, using these contaminants in water as their only source of carbon