Sustainable nanomaterials address PFAS and biosensing challenges
Sustainable nanomaterials are tackling PFAS contamination and pain biosensing whilst preventing harmful knock-on effects on the environment
5 Mar 2024
From pain biosensors to innovations in environmental remediation, the unique properties of nanomaterials are helping to solve some of the most pressing environmental and human health-related challenges of today.
Driven by a passion for fabricating nanomaterials with minimal or zero carbon footprint, Dr. Omowunmi 'Wunmi' Sadik, a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), focuses not just on nanomaterial fabrication but on their intended impact. Dr. Sadik's work involves the research and development of nanomaterials with economic and societal benefits with little or no negative environmental impact. Her team’s focus extends beyond material fabrication to applications that address pressing environmental challenges and advance human healthcare.
How are sustainable nanomaterials being used to address the impact of environmental contaminants?
OS: My lab has focused on the synergy between conducting polymers and nanoparticles since the early 90s. We have established how the Surface Plasmon Resonance of nanoparticles enhances the conductivity of polymers and how the conjugation of the polymer itself helps hold the particle in place. From these findings, we have started developing sensors for environmental analysis. The emphasis is on addressing challenges like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which are used widely in various applications, such as personal consumer products, energy production, food, and firefighting. Due to their high stability, these ‘forever chemicals’ pose an environmental challenge as they do not readily degrade. PFAS are now found in water, food, and the air, raising concerns due to their documented negative impact on human health. Our research focuses on developing materials to degrade PFAS into non-toxic substances, with the aim to prevent the formation of secondary pollutants during the process.
What advice would you have for other researchers developing sustainable nanomaterials?
OS: Exploring the chemical transformations at the interface of nanomaterials and polymers is vital. We develop our nanomaterials from biodegradable polymers and naturally-occurring flavonoids and incorporate biological compounds like proteins and enzymes to fabricate devices that can be used to aid human health. An example of this is our development of biosensors, particularly in the area of pain measurement, providing an alternative to subjective pain scales. Our biosensors are designed by understanding the biochemical transformation of pain, where biomarkers produced can be studied and measured allowing us to calibrate the level of pain.
What recent trends have you seen in nanomaterials research?
OS: There has been a positive shift in nanomaterial research trends. Early concerns about toxicity from materials such as carbon nanotubes being comparable to asbestos in their characteristics, have given way to proactive measures in designing nanomaterials for safety. Organizations like the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US National Science Foundation, and the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) have played crucial roles. You also have not-for-profit organizations like the Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO), of which I was the co-founder and inaugural president, creating platforms for people to think about designing nanomaterials to be safe. The current trend is moving from viewing nanomaterials as inherently toxic to recognizing their potential for sustainability and safety.
What do you see for the future of sustainable nanomaterials research?
OS: Looking ahead, I envision nanotechnology playing a vital role in addressing 21st-century challenges, including climate change, safe food production, and sustainable energy. The emphasis is on proactively designing sustainable materials to ensure safety. Nanotechnology has already made significant contributions, such as in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, highlighting its potential positive impact on various global challenges.
The Wallace H. Coulter Lecture at Pittcon 2024
Excitement surrounds Dr. Sadik's upcoming Wallace H. Coulter Lecture at Pittcon 2024, titled 'Sustainable Nanomaterials for Sensing Human Health and the Environment'. Anticipated topics include the development of sustainable materials for degrading pollutants like PFAS and dioxins. Additionally, she will discuss advancements in pain biosensor technology. Attendees can expect insights into cutting-edge research with potential implications for addressing environmental and health-related challenges.
Dr. Sadik's work stands at the forefront of sustainable nanomaterials research, offering innovative solutions to pressing global issues. Her dedication to creating eco-friendly materials and advancing sensor technologies showcases the transformative potential of nanotechnology in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.