High-tech sensors for monitoring the release of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from recycled plastic in a circular economy

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of chemical compounds that are used for the production of fluoropolymers (e.g. Teflon). These polymers are used in numerous applications ranging from clothing to food containers. The widespread use of these compounds can be attributed to their unique chemical characteristics. Unfortunately, these compounds are also very stable and persistent with extensive half-lives reported in an aqueous environment, leading to a global case of contamination and associated risk on public health. In an ever-changing world and a developing circular economy, where a lot of focus is devoted to the use and recycling of plastic and bio-based alternatives, monitoring and understanding the potential risk of toxin leakage is essential. As the Dutch and Flemish governments have identified PFAS as high-risk compounds, accurate detection and monitoring of PFAS in water and soil will be essential in the future. Current state-of-the-art detection platforms for PFAS are based on high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), an expensive laboratory-based technology that does not allow for on-site screening. The current project application focuses on the development of a biomimetic sensor platform that allows for fast and sensitive detection of perfluoro-octanesulfonic acid (PFOS), which will be used as a model PFAS compound. Detection will be based on molecular recognition by means of so-called molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), serving as biomimetic receptors. Target rebinding will be studied using in-house technologies developed by both partner institutions such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and substrate-displacement colorimetric assays.