Breakthrough: The Israeli development that promises to fight one of the worst pollutants in the sea

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a 'smart sponge' made from cellulose aerogel that absorbs oil and fuel up to 100 times its weight, attracts oil-degrading bacteria, and after the breakdown, biodegrades itself. The development, published in a scientific journal, is in the process of patent registration.

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new and green method for treating crude oil and fuel pollution in the marine environment. The development, published in the scientific journal Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, is based on an 'aerogel' – a lightweight material made from natural cellulose fibers that underwent deep freeze-drying and controlled burning. The aerogel acts as a 'smart sponge' capable of absorbing oil and fuel up to 100 times its weight. The main innovation is that the sponge not only collects the pollution but also actively attracts natural oil-degrading bacteria (such as the Pseudomonas strain originating from contaminated sea sand from Israeli beaches). To this end, the scientists pre-loaded the sponge fibers with essential fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphorus) that are lacking in open sea water. The bacteria are attracted to the sponge, settle on its surface, break down the polluted fuel, and finally also break down the sponge itself, which is made of natural materials – leaving no trace. The project is led by Prof. Ariel Kushmaro and Dr. Danit Lisa Kresagi Biron, along with an additional research team. The development is in the process of patent registration through BGN Technologies, the university's technology commercialization company. Dr. Galit Mazuz-Perlmutter of BGN Technologies noted that the technology has the potential to become a commercial solution for the energy, shipping, and environmental rehabilitation industries. The research was funded by the Abraham and Stella Goldstein-Goren Foundation, the John A. Unger Chair in Biotechnology, and the Ministry for Regional Cooperation.