Scientists from the Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have announced a portable device that can identify per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water with high accuracy and speed.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” resist degradation and can accumulate in the environment, raising concerns about their effects on human health and ecosystems. Traditional detection relies on collecting samples and sending them to specialised laboratories equipped with mass spectrometry, a process that is both costly and time‑consuming.
The new platform uses molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) that act like synthetic antibodies. The polymers are shaped around a target PFAS molecule, then the molecule is removed, leaving behind a binding site that recognises the same compound again. When PFAS molecules bind to the sensor, they alter the electrical current flowing through the device, allowing the concentration of the contaminant to be inferred.
For the prototype, the team printed 100 disposable electrodes onto repurposed fabric in a few hours. These electrodes were coated with PFAS‑specific MIPs and connected to commercially available potentiostats that can plug directly into a smartphone or laptop. The design is modular, meaning the target molecule can be swapped to detect other PFAS members; the current prototype focuses on the two most common and regulated chemicals, PFOS and PFOA.
Dr Mark Sullivan, a lead researcher, highlighted that the goal is a sensitive, low‑cost technology that can be used outside specialised labs. Dr Perrine Lasserre added that the system could empower local agencies or even households to make informed decisions about potential contamination, such as alerting authorities or deciding whether to install a water filter.
Professor Amy Shen noted that the study demonstrates how synthetic molecular recognition can be combined with inexpensive electrochemical devices to detect trace levels of persistent chemicals. While further development and field validation are needed, the approach shows promise for making environmental monitoring more accessible.
By enabling rapid, on‑site detection of PFAS, the OIST platform could strengthen global efforts to monitor and mitigate the spread of these hazardous substances.
