Fluidic impedance platform for in-situ detection and quantification of PFAS in groundwater
Inventors
Chatterjee, Sayandev • Motkuri, Radha K. • Basuray, Sagnik • Cheng, Yu Hsuan
Assignees
New Jersey Institute of Technology • Battelle Memorial Institute Inc
Publication Number
US-11891313-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-06
Expiration Date
2040-05-07
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Abstract
Materials for binding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are disclosed. A fluidic device comprising the materials for detection and quantification of PFAS in a sample is disclosed. The fluidic device may be configured for multiplexed analyses. Also disclosed are methods for sorbing and remediating PFAS in a sample. The sample may be groundwater containing, or suspected of containing, one or more PFAS.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses materials and a fluidic device for the detection and quantification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a sample, such as groundwater. The fluidic device comprises a layered structure with an upper and lower planar substrate separated by a thin film that contains a channel. Within this channel, a plurality of probes made from materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), covalent organic polymers (COPs), zeolites, mesoporous silica, or hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) are disposed. The sensing region of the device is defined by spaced-apart electrodes (non-planar with respect to each other) above and below the channel, with probes situated in between, allowing application of an electric field for detection purposes.
The primary problem addressed is the need for a portable, field-deployable technique for rapid, reliable, and accurate detection and quantification of PFAS for field-screening applications. Current methods, such as LC-MS/MS and TOP assay, require laboratory instrumentation, are not field-deployable, involve complex sample preparation, and lack selectivity or sensitivity in realistic matrices due to nonspecific probe binding or poor signal-to-noise ratios. Existing sensors either exhibit poor uptake, slow kinetics, or are unable to selectively discriminate PFAS in complicated environmental samples.
The core innovation of this invention is the integration of selective sorbent materials (e.g., specific MOFs or composites) directly into a microfluidic impedance device, enabling in-situ PFAS capture, detection, and quantification based on changes in electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) between pre- and post-sample conditions. The device design allows for multiplexed analyses and supports flowing the sample through or over the bed of probes, drastically enhancing sensitivity and selectivity even at concentrations below regulatory limits. The platform also provides methods for PFAS remediation by capturing and optionally degrading PFAS bound to the probes using catalytic or photocatalytic methods.
Claims Coverage
There are three primary inventive features covered by independent claims in this patent: a fluidic device with integrated sorbent probes, a system comprising multiple such devices, and a method for detecting PFAS using the device.
Fluidic device including a channel with selective sorbent probes and non-planar electrode sensing regions
The device consists of an upper and lower planar substrate separated by a thin film containing a channel. A plurality of probes, each including a material selected from a metal-organic framework (MOF), covalent organic framework (COF), covalent organic polymer (COP), zeolite, mesoporous silica or hierarchical porous carbon (HPC), is disposed in the channel. The sensing region comprises an arrangement of spaced-apart electrodes on the lower surface of the upper substrate and the upper surface of the lower substrate, such that the electrodes are non-planar when assembled. The channel passes between these upper and lower sensing areas, with an upper and lower conductive connector for applying an electric field. The device includes aligned inlet and outlet holes for fluid flow through the channel.
System comprising multiple fluidic devices arranged for multiplexed or sequential PFAS analyses
The system comprises a plurality of devices as described, where the devices are arranged in series, in parallel, or in combinations of series and parallel. The plurality of probes in each channel or sensing region can have different chemical compositions to target specific PFAS or combinations of PFAS.
Method for detecting PFAS by flowing a sample through a device and measuring impedance changes
The method includes flowing a sample (which can be groundwater) through the channel of the described device, thereby sorbing PFAS to the probes, applying an electric field across the sensing region, obtaining a post-sample electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) of the sensing region, and comparing this to a pre-sample EIS obtained before introduction of the sample. A difference in the EIS indicates the presence of PFAS. The method supports quantification by measuring the magnitude of EIS change and can function with probes specific for different PFAS chemistries.
The inventive features collectively establish a platform that allows in-situ, multiplexed, and selective detection and quantification of PFAS, with a device architecture enabling integration of tailored sorbent materials, scalable small-scale systems, and a detection method based on impedance changes arising from PFAS-probe interactions.
Stated Advantages
Provides rapid, reliable, and accurate detection and quantification of PFAS in the field without the need for laboratory-based equipment or complex sample preparation.
Achieves detection limits below regulatory levels (e.g., as low as 0.5 ng/L for PFOS) and superior sensitivity and selectivity compared to conventional methods or sorbents.
The nanoporous probe structure in a flow-based microfluidic device boosts signal-to-noise ratio, increases convective analyte transport, and enables rapid measurements with minimized noise.
Device and method allow for multiplexed and regenerative detection of various PFAS types in a single platform through use of different probe chemistries and channel/sensor configurations.
Sorbent materials can also be used for remediation and degradation of captured PFAS, potentially enabling complete mineralization with lower energy requirements due to bond polarization.
Documented Applications
In-situ detection and quantification of PFAS in groundwater samples using a portable, field-deployable device.
Simultaneous or sequential (multiplexed) analysis of multiple PFAS species or classes using systems of devices configured in series or parallel.
Sorption and remediation of PFAS from environmental samples, including groundwater, with subsequent degradation or mineralization of sorbed PFAS.
Regenerative and repetitive use for rapid screening or monitoring of PFAS contamination in field or on-site settings.
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