3D bioprinting for syntrophic bioremediation of tetrachlorethylene

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a common and persistent pollutant belonging to the family of dense non- aqueous phase liquids (DNAPL). This chlorinated hydrocarbon has properties that allow it to accumulate into the food chain, thereby harming both humans and the environment. One of the technologies adopted to remove such compound from contaminated sites is bioremediation, namely the exploitation of metabolic processes of plants and microorganisms for the degradation of contaminants to non-toxic by-products. This thesis focuses on the implementation of 3D printed systems with incorporated bacterial strains able to degrade PCE. The complete degradation of this pollutant is made possible by the syntrophic metabolism of two different strains of bacteria, namely the anaerobe Desulfitobacterium hafniense strain PCE-S, and the aerobe Polaromonas sp. strain JS666. Optimisation of the protocols and stabilisation of the synthesis of methacrylated sodium alginate were the main focus of the project. The improved throughput and reliability obtained in the production of materials allowed to study the design of the bioink system, in order to identify appropriate shapes and printing conditions. The creation of a single-print, biocompatible object in which the two strains of bacteria were able to coexist could be achieved. These accomplishments represent the foundation for studies of PCE degradation potential of this system for its possible use in in situ bioremediation employments.