Water purification using membrane filtration is an essential technology and is playing an increasing role in provision of fresh water through desalination and water recycling. The major impediment to the efficient operation of membranes is the detrimental accumulation of unwanted inorganic & organic matter and micro-organisms, known as fouling. Among the various types of fouling, biofouling is the most resilient. It is not merely a collection of bacteria; it is a complex, self-organizing community where microorganisms are encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This EPS matrix acts as a physical and chemical shield, protecting the bacteria from environmental stressors and conventional treatments. Current management strategies rely heavily on biocides—chemical agents designed to kill the bacteria. However, these "kill-centric" approaches suffer from three fatal flaws. First, they are often unable to penetrate the thick EPS matrix, leaving protected "pockets" of bacteria that quickly repopulate the system. Second, biocides focus on killing life rather than removing the physical mass of the biofilm; even dead bacteria and their leftover matrices continue to clog the membranes. Third, the chemicals such as chlorine-based compounds—are frequently corrosive to the membranes themselves and pose significant environmental risks when discharged into the water cycle. The AMADEUS project aims to revolutionize this landscape by shifting the focus from "killing" to "dispersing." The project’s central objective is to develop and validate a new class of "green" cleaning agents based on Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES). Unlike traditional toxic biocides, NADES are composed of naturally occurring molecules (such as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids) that, when combined, create a solvent with unique properties capable of disrupting the physical integrity of the EPS matrix.
Key objectives included:
1 Formulation Optimisation: Refining NADES compositions to maximize their ability to liquefy and disperse the biofilm matrix while ensuring they remain non-toxic and biodegradable.
2 Performance Validation: Testing these agents under relevant conditions to demonstrate they can outperform existing
3 Commercial De-risking: Establishing a robust intellectual property strategy and a clear business model to attract the investment necessary for full-scale market entry.
