This $722,573 National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities project grant supports the development of next generation biomaterials with engineered biodegradability to enable networked swarm sensing in the ocean. The grant period runs from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022.
The University of California, Santa Barbara leads this effort to produce prototype polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based biomaterials incorporating additives to facilitate marine biodegradation at targeted times. Mango Materials Inc. will evaluate formulations for varying deployment lengths and molding/printing methods, integrating outputs with PHA products. The University of Rochester aims to 3D print multiple structures containing PHA-degrading microorganisms to test viability and PHA degradation capabilities. The University of Rhode Island will construct respirometry chambers to document degradation, implement materials in ocean sensor floats, and support a summer 2022 intern. The overarching goal is to produce programmable, biodegradable biomaterials to enable networked ocean sensing applications without persistent litter.
Generated 1/6/24, 3:56 PM