We are interested in using biofilms to combine metabolically complementary microorganisms into a functional system to do beneficial work, such as break down chemical pollutants. The schematic below shows a multispecies biofilm reactor.  Potentially toxic substances are broken down into safer, smaller molecules such as water and carbon dioxide.  Sure, the bacteria are in it for their own gain, but who's to argue if their appetites make the world a safer place?

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