Abstract
This defensive publication introduces an innovative approach for heavy metal soil remediation using biomimetic nanobots, designed to autonomously detect, neutralize, and degrade harmful contaminants while ensuring eco-friendliness and sustainability. The nanobots feature a graphene-based outer capsule for structural durability, a gold nanolens for selective ion detection, and a bioengineered pseudo-organelle payload system that enables enzymatic neutralization of heavy metals. Utilizing optical-tweezer-based DNA-polystyrene actuators, the system is capable of movement within the soil, and a self-regenerating mechanism ensures prolonged activity. A NanoIoT-enabled communication system allows real-time monitoring and control with minimal human intervention. The nanobots target common soil contaminants such as cadmium (Cd²⁺), lead (Pb²⁺), nickel (Ni³⁺), copper (Cu³⁺), and arsenic (As³⁺), offering a novel, efficient, and low-cost alternative to existing remediation techniques, including phytoremediation and electrokinetic treatment. Computational simulations demonstrate the nanobots' high stability, regeneration efficiency, and optical detection accuracy, while their eco-friendly design and self-destructive mechanism ensure compliance with environmental and ethical standards. This defensive publication safeguards the technology, ensuring it remains freely accessible and preventing restrictive patents from hindering advancements in environmental nanotechnology.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Mallapragada, Suma and Sankepally, Vaishnavi, "Biomimetic Nanobots for Heavy Metal Soil Remediation", Technical Disclosure Commons, (April 14, 2025)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/8003