Antibiotic decontamination from urban waters using nanostructures and biosurfactants

• Grant number: 24/14003-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Renata Kelly Mendes Valente
• Grantee: Júlia Boiago Ferraz de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas (PUC-CAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The excessive use of antibiotics has been a global concern. The consequences include waste disposal, and if the removal treatment is not effective, there is a potential to cause deleterious effects on human health and the aquatic ecosystem, as well as increasing bacterial resistance among the population. Therefore, antibiotics are classified as emerging pollutants whose long-term effects are still a source of study. In this sense, the decontamination of this class of compounds in natural urban waters is extremely important, as not all treatment plants in large cities use efficient methods for their elimination. Therefore, this work proposes an innovative method of water remediation, using the association of nanomaterials with biosurfactants. Metallic nanoparticles are known for their ability to adsorb organic compounds, in addition to being easily synthesized, low cost and biocompatibility. As an objective of this work, it is also intended to use core-shell nanostructures formed by magnetic iron nanoparticles covered with gold, to increase the adsorbent potential. Furthermore, this nanostructure will also be covered with the biosurfactant surfactin, which is produced from natural sources and is biodegradable. It is expected to develop an innovative method for remediating water in urban areas that is highly efficient in removing contaminants. To measure antibiotic concentration before and after treatment, a low-cost electrochemical sensor with field analysis capacity (developed by the Research Group) will be used.