Immobilized Bacterial Cells on Electrospun Nanofibers for Crude Oil Spills Treatment and Bioremediation

Immobilization of biological molecules and cells on nanofibers is widely used in many applications ranging from medical to environmental applications. Immobilization materials provide cells with protection and surface for adhesion which in turn increases their efficiency for a particular application and stability over a longer period. Bioremediation of oil spills has recently become popular since scientists have developed processes that rely on cost-effectiveness and efficacy in crude oil treatments. For improved and sustainable performance of bioremediation, the system requires the development of cost-effective carrier substrates which undergo slow biodegradability and present a limited negative impact on the environment. Immobilization of bacteria on electrospun polymeric fibers is a recent research development aided by advances in nanotechnology. This could revolutionize bioremediation, treating the problem of crude oil spill pollution. In this review, we discuss the use of electrospinning to manufacture nanofibers entrapping and encapsulating bacterial cells for effective crude oil spill bioremediation. We go further to explain the recent developments in nanofiber technology with special emphasis on the correlation between method of electrospinning and relevant morphology of the formed fibers.