Publication Date

Spring 5-2024

School

School of Health Sciences

Major

Biology: Pre-Med

Keywords

Organic Chemistry, PFAS, PFOA, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Disciplines

Organic Chemicals

Abstract

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are utilized as surfactants in many different materials. With an immensely stable structure due to the presence of carbon-fluorine bonds, PFOA and PFOS are resistant to degradation. Known to persist in water resources, these compounds tend to bioaccumulate and impute toxic effects on human health, such as decreased fertility and immune function. To date, there exists no effective approach to the removal of these lingering compounds. Because of the health risks, there is increasing urgency to devise a means by which to detect and withdraw PFOA and PFOS from the environment. In recent years, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been proposed as a possible remedy to this threat, due to their unique selectivity and lock-and-key design. This study reviews MIPs as sensors and extractors of PFOA and PFOS. Advancements were made toward the production of a novel fluorinated monomer. A protocol for testing MIPs in aqueous solutions was established and an analysis of a previously made polymer was performed via QCM. The resulting data, though inconclusive, encourages further investigation into the complex fabrication of fluorinated polymers and their analysis via QCM sensors.

Download

Share

COinS