Jessica Valeria Cruz Aguirre, a student at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), has developed a new technique for washing clothing that doesn't require the use of water, chemicals, detergents or fabric softeners -- just bacteria.

The young researcher "trained" microorganisms that normally live in metals to consume wine -- and later other substances -- so it can become accustomed to feeding on that particular substance, "cleansing" the material.

"Laundering" clothing is a matter of using an aerosol spray containing bacteria that's been fed with organic particles that stain clothing. The bacteria feasts on the clothing, eliminating bits of edible oil, wine and sweat, as well as the smell. Then, to "kill" the bacteria, there's a second spray that softens and perfumes the "washed" garments. It's important to eliminate bacteria after cleaning clothing of stains because the effects of the microorganisms in the outdoors are dangerous and unpredictable. However, Cruz Aguirre is working to sort out this issue.

Cruz Aguirre could be a vital tool for individuals who are in cities or nations enduring droughts. Because water conservation is so important, the chemical engineer's efforts are priceless.

The cleaning agent doesn't require the genetic modification of bacteria, but the bacteria recognize wine as a food source. Then, it modifies itself to see wine and other organic particles, such as dirt, as food.

Cruz Aguirre and her partner, Paulina Mar Lucas, envision the bacteria cleanser as a single dispenser with two sprays. Misting a dirty garment with the two spouts should remove odors and stains. Already, the project has won Cruz Aguirre the National Award and second place in the Latin America Henkel Innovation Challenge, but the researcher admits that more research must be done to ensure that the release of the bacteria isn't harmful to health or the environment.

Cruz Aquirre has enlisted SINAQUA Falcon Waterfree Technologies, a pioneer in terms of environmental sustainability in the sanitary sector, to handle further development and testing. The Mexican business will secure a patent, finance future testing and the commercialization of products over the next few years.

"I like biotechnology," Aguirre told an interviewer from her university. "But I'm not closed to other options. I try to think of innovative ideas and build something. After a year or two, I'll pursue my Master's but for now, I don't know what I want to specialize (my studies) in and want to wait until I'm sure of what I want to do."

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