MUMBAI, India, Jan. 23 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202511126804 A) filed by Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, on Dec. 15, 2025, for 'bio-barrier - a floating device based on algal-bacterial (algabac) synergy for oil spill prevention and bioremediation.'
Inventor(s) include Prof. Dr. Vipasha Sharma; Dr. Tarun Kumar; Anshu Kumari Yadav; Romel Mistry; Anish Goutam; and Aastha Bhargava.
The application for the patent was published on Jan. 23, under issue no. 04/2026.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "The present invention relates to "Bio-barrier - a floating device based on algal-bacterial (algabac) synergy", for preventing the spread of marine oil spills and enabling in-situ biodegradation through a synergistic interaction between marine algae and oil-degrading bacteria. The system comprises a floating barrier, inner floating filaments, cilia-like movable filaments and a hollow spherical structure with cavities, all formed from buoyant and nutrient-coated materials to facilitate biological growth. Oil-degrading bacterial consortia, including but not limited to Pseudomonas aeruginosa ZS1, Bacillus velezensis YM1 and Enterobacter spp., are encapsulated within sodium alginate beads that provide controlled release of active bacteria upon contact with oil. Marine algae such as Cystoseira or Chlorella vulgaris cultivated within the device secrete metabolites that attract bacteria and support biofilm formation, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon degradation. Operating entirely without external energy, the system offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly and reusable solution for oil spill containment and bioremediation in marine environments."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
