Mitigating Coral Bleaching

The accelerated ocean warming results in the massive loss of coral reefs. One of the leading causes of coral bleaching is the overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), which result in the breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between the coral host and algae symbiont. In order to combat coral bleaching, we are developing advanced biomaterials as new technological interventions to mitigate coral bleaching effects. Our research focuses on two novel technologies: the development of coral therapeutics like the ROS-scavenging microgels, which are smart-responsive biomaterials that actively release antioxidants to scavenge ROS, and the engineering of biohybrid living platforms to deliver coral therapeutics in coral reefs, such as the development of guided light-operated biohybrid microrobots (GLOWBOTs), which integrate coral therapeutics, phototactic algae, and light stimuli for accelerated cell-driven locomotion in coral reefs. Our research aims to be translated into technological solutions to mitigate coral bleaching effects in a rapidly changing world.