Silicone sponge captures unknown bacteria

From human intestines to the bottom of the sea: Microorganisms populate nearly any habitat, no matter how hostile it is. Their great variety of survival strategies is of huge potential in biotechnology. Most of these organisms, however, are unknown, because they cannot be cultivated. To make better use of this 'microbial dark matter', a team of researchers has now developed a 'sponge' made of porous, formable silicone. Embedded in a chip, the material sucks up microorganisms in the surroundings, which can then be applied for further research.

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