Researchers create portable device to detect PFAS in water
Scientists at OIST developed a portable device that accurately detects PFAS chemicals in water samples without needing a laboratory.
Conventional analysis requires sending samples to specialized labs with expensive mass spectrometry instruments for testing. This traditional method is often too costly and time-consuming for quick environmental assessments.
The new platform uses molecularly imprinted polymers acting like synthetic antibodies to capture specific target molecules. Electrical current changes indicate the concentration levels present within the collected water sample.
Researchers screen-printed electrodes onto fabric strips and connected them to a potentiostat for measuring signals. This compact design allows for easy mass production and potential adaptation to other chemical families.
Testing confirmed that detected concentrations closely matched actual levels in artificially doped fresh and drinking water. The prototype successfully identified two common chemicals with documented health risks for humans.