Reichman University researchers develop innovative “biological shield” to protect metals from seawater

Researchers at the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology have developed a microbial consortium that creates a durable, natural protective layer on marine infrastructure to prevent corrosion. This biological method utilizes specific bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, to form a mineral coating that significantly slows the degradation of steel and iron in seawater. The breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical corrosion inhibitors, potentially reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact for the global maritime and offshore energy sectors.

Led by Avichay Nahami and Dr. Prem Anand Murugan, the study published in Cell Reports Physical Science details how a consortium of bacterial species works cooperatively to form a dense protective shield. Unlike previous attempts using single species, this multi-species approach—which includes bacteria naturally found in seawater—provides more stable long-term protection against harsh marine conditions. The researchers identified that different bacteria within the consortium play specialized roles: some establish the necessary environmental conditions, while others produce enzymes that facilitate the formation of a mineral protective layer, specifically aragonite crystals, on metal surfaces.

The experimental results demonstrate that this biological shield effectively protects metals commonly used in marine and electrochemical infrastructure, such as iron and steel. By slowing the corrosion process, the technology aims to extend the operational lifespan of critical assets like ports, offshore platforms, and ships. Dr. Ilana Kolodkin-Gal, head of the Microbiome and Synthetic Microbiology Laboratory, emphasized that harnessing biological systems to solve engineering challenges is a core promise of synthetic biology, offering a path to reduce global reliance on costly and polluting chemical compounds.

This research was a collaborative effort between the Scojen Institute for Synthetic Biology at Reichman University and the Holon Institute of Technology, under the joint supervision of Dr. Kolodkin-Gal and Dr. Yuval Dorfan. The project received financial support from the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) and two Binational Science Foundation–U.S. National Science Foundation (BSF-NSF) grants. The successful development of this bio-based coating highlights the growing intersection of microbiology and materials science, providing a scalable model for biological corrosion-protection systems that could be deployed across various marine structures worldwide.