What is surrounded by those scratchy sponges? I heard you can disinfect sponges by getting them moist and next...

I heard you can disinfect sponges by getting them moist and next microwaving them for a few minutes. I was wondering if you can do that next to the ones that have the scratchy stuff on one side? Do they enjoy any metal in them?
Answers:    The scratchy side does own metal in it so it's not a righteous idea. The plastic rough sponges can be microwaved without risk.
If they have that metallic looking stuff (steel wool), later I would say NO WAY. :)