EUSKARRIEN HAUTAKETA ETA ERABILERA BIOMEKANIZAZIO ERANGINKORRAGOA LORTZEKO

Abstract

Biomachining is a controlled microbiological process that can be used to engrave microstructures with no thermal or mechanical damage to the surface of the metal piece. As in every biological process, it is crucial to keep the microorganisms active, as they are responsible for the oxidant (ferric iron) regeneration that enables the process to proceed cyclically. In order to increase the density of active cells and facilitate biomass replacement, the microorganisms are usually immobilized on support materials, which requires adapted protocols to fix or insert the cells into suitable carriers. Therefore, the choice of the ideal carrier for immobilization purposes is an overriding decision, as it can completely alter the efficiency of the biomachining process. In this research work, several materials have been prepared in the laboratory to study the feasibility of immobilization of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria. On the basis of its outstanding properties, the bacterial biocellulose has been selected among all the tested materials, and it has been used to optimize the operating conditions of the active support preparation process. Finally, the active biocellulose support material has been used for biomachining a copper piece, so that the efficiency of the immobilization strategy can be assessed.