Bioengineering

Coral reefs are keystone species providing nutrients and shelter for many marine organisms. Coral restoration continues to face many challenges involving various external factors such as pollution, acidification, and overfishing. These ecosystems are primarily threatened by ocean warming leading to coral bleaching, which disrupts a symbiotic relationship by expelling algae. This is a unique and crucial symbiotic relationship with Symbiodiniaceae, where both exchange nutrients. If dysbiosis persists, coral becomes more vulnerable leading to death.

Contaminated drinking water is the leading cause of diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and E, poliomyelitis, and cholera. The main objective of this project was the development of PVA-based hydrogels loaded with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) synthesized through a green synthesis process, with biocidal activity for the treatment of contaminated water.