Fig. 1: GD-MBR configuration.

a Cross-sectional images of beads generated via fluorescence microscopy. b Comparative analysis of the QQ activity of beads based on the C8-HSL concentration. c Schematic diagram of two GD-MBRs with external chambers. d Transmembrane pressure (TMP) profiles of the suction membrane (SM) for GD-MBR maintenance in the non-QQ GD-MBR (GD-MBR 1) and the QQ GD-MBR (GD-MBR 2). e GDM flux of the non-QQ GD-MBR (GD-MBR 1) and the QQ GD-MBR (GD-MBR 2). The error bars represent the standard deviation (n = 3).