BIORESCue | Eavesdropping on bacterial gossip in biofilms for resource recovery from wastewater

Summary
BIORESCue delves into the role of bacterial quorum sensing, a cell-to-cell communication in wastewater biofilms. The hypothesis posits that quorum sensing holds a key role to understanding biofilm formation, and that introducing exogenous quorum sensing signaling molecules in high-rate activated sludge biofilms has the potential to enhance biopolymer production and bioflocculation. As the global water community increasingly recognizes the untapped potential of wastewater as a resource for green energy and biopolymer, this project aims to address a significant knowledge gap in the field. I will develop advanced bioanalytical techniques combining bioassays with chemical screening to explore uncharted diversity, concentration, and activity of signaling molecules in wastewater biofilms. I will explore the dose-effect relationship of signaling molecules in high-rate activated sludge, to offer practical strategies for optimizing resource recovery. By combining this unique dataset with a detailed analysis of bioflocculation and biopolymer composition, I seek to uncover valuable insights on the role and effects of quorum sensing in biofilms. Implemented at the Aarhus University and the host research group, this project will allow me to enhance scientific, communication and project management skills, through a well-designed training program (courses, workshops, regular meeting with supervisors), as well as measures for knowledge exchange and dissemination. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the interests of clean water, affordable energy, and sustainable industries, this project has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment, transforming treatment plants into net energy producers and fostering sustainable resource recovery, thus addressing pressing global challenges while advancing scientific understanding and innovation in wastewater treatment.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101150481
Start date: 01-10-2024
End date: 30-09-2026
Total budget - Public funding: - 214 934,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

BIORESCue delves into the role of bacterial quorum sensing, a cell-to-cell communication in wastewater biofilms. The hypothesis posits that quorum sensing holds a key role to understanding biofilm formation, and that introducing exogenous quorum sensing signaling molecules in high-rate activated sludge biofilms has the potential to enhance biopolymer production and bioflocculation. As the global water community increasingly recognizes the untapped potential of wastewater as a resource for green energy and biopolymer, this project aims to address a significant knowledge gap in the field. I will develop advanced bioanalytical techniques combining bioassays with chemical screening to explore uncharted diversity, concentration, and activity of signaling molecules in wastewater biofilms. I will explore the dose-effect relationship of signaling molecules in high-rate activated sludge, to offer practical strategies for optimizing resource recovery. By combining this unique dataset with a detailed analysis of bioflocculation and biopolymer composition, I seek to uncover valuable insights on the role and effects of quorum sensing in biofilms. Implemented at the Aarhus University and the host research group, this project will allow me to enhance scientific, communication and project management skills, through a well-designed training program (courses, workshops, regular meeting with supervisors), as well as measures for knowledge exchange and dissemination. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the interests of clean water, affordable energy, and sustainable industries, this project has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment, transforming treatment plants into net energy producers and fostering sustainable resource recovery, thus addressing pressing global challenges while advancing scientific understanding and innovation in wastewater treatment.

Status

SIGNED

Call topic

HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01-01

Update Date

25-11-2024
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Horizon Europe
HORIZON.1 Excellent Science
HORIZON.1.2 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
HORIZON.1.2.0 Cross-cutting call topics
HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01-01 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023