Bionic Oil Adsorber at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany

On various biological surfaces, oil is adsorbed from the water’s surface and transported along floating leaves. ITA postdoctoral researcher Dr Leonie Beek has transferred this effect to a technical textile using her Bionic Oil Adsorber (BOA), which, at maturity level 4, can remove up to 4 litres of diesel per hour from the water.

The BOA differs from technical solutions in that the oil-water separation takes place without external energy and without toxic substances. The work on the BOA has been recognised with the Bionics Award – only in German available - and the Paul Schlack Prize.