PFAS Detection using Microfluidic Sensors

Student’s name: Tyler Lai Home Institution: University of California, Berkeley NNCI Site: KY Multiscale REU Principal Investigator: Dr. Xiao-an (Sean) Fu REU Mentor: Wendell Pimentel-Almedia Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals found in numerous consumer products, including fast food wrappers, non-stick pans, and carpet antistains. Due to widespread consumer use, PFAS chemicals have contaminated many water supplies across the United States. Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been shown to disrupt human organ function, cause cancer, and decrease vaccine efficacy. These PFAS chemicals have similar molecular structures to fatty acids and confuse many cells within the human body. Confused cells take in these PFAS molecules believing they are taking in fatty acids. PFAS health effects are incredibly long lasting because there is no biological process within the human body capable of breaking down these chemicals. PFAS is known to be a forever chemical, once it has contaminated a system, it takes an extremely long time to break down naturally, if at all. Current on-site PFAS sensors for water are unable to reach detection limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With the current standardized technology, time-consuming and expensive off-site testing is required in order to meet the detection standards set by the EPA. This work constructs a fast and affordable on-site microfluidic sensor that measures extremely low PFAS concentrations using electrical impedance. The sensor advances environmental monitoring technology; it protects public health through rapid on-site detection of PFAS at a fraction of the cost.