Abstract:

Although bio-sanitary processes are the ones that have informed biotechnology’s origin and first steps, the scientific and engineering principles of using biological agents to process materials are now being applied in countless areas. As far as the metal industry is concerned, the machining sector has been forced to search for technological alternatives that allow processing metal pieces in a more sustainable manner. One of these alternatives is the so-called biomachining biotechnology, and it is currently under development. Biomachining relies on the ability of microorganisms to regenerate the oxidizing agent that is responsible for metal dissolution, so the consumption of chemicals is considerably reduced. Nevertheless, and bearing in mind possible misgivings over the use of bacteria in this type of innovation, the objective here was to conduct a preliminary opinion poll within a training population with a technical profile. The study involved students of various degrees in engineering at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) (Spain). The results show that the bio-enhanced process is clearly viewed as sustainable, and preferable to other options. Conversely, there is a proven reluctance to make a decision about the extensive use of bacteria as a supporting bio-tool. As expected, the threat of biological risk and the difficulty in automating the process are possible drawbacks to its industrial implementation. The information obtained will be used in a subsequent study to launch the marketing performance of the biomechanical process in the professional and business environment.

Keywords:

Biotechnology, biomachining, biological alternatives, opinion poll.