The pollution of our waters with pharmaceutical residues poses an increasing threat to our health and the ecosystem. The DeDrug-Bio project aims to develop a stable, self-regenerating filter for cost-effective, low-emission selective degradation of pharmaceuticals. Drawing inspiration from marine biological filters, specifically sea sponges (Porifera), which provide habitats for microorganisms, the project seeks to immobilize selected microorganisms capable of degrading pharmaceutical residues.

The substrate material will be functionalized using laser and plasma technology to support microorganisms that form effective biofilms and resist erosion. Research goals include selecting specific microorganisms (Fraunhofer IFAM), developing surfaces for immobilization (SITEC), and upgrading existing membrane filters to biohybrid filters. A demonstration unit will be constructed to test the concept at a WWTP (hanseWasser Bremen GmbH). The project will address the significant challenge of diclofenac, with inlet concentrations around 2.8 µg/L and outlet concentrations exceeding 2 µg/L, highlighting the need for innovative solutions in wastewater treatment.