Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled a new filtration material that could significantly improve the removal of harmful chemicals from water supplies.

This solution, which combines natural silk and cellulose, shows promise in addressing the pervasive issue of 'forever chemicals' such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals.

A recent study by the US Centers for Disease Control revealed that 98% of individuals tested had detectable levels of PFAS in their bloodstream, highlighting the urgent need for effective water purification solutions.

The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that remediation of PFAS could cost approximately $1.5 billion annually, driven by new regulatory standards aimed at limiting these compounds to less than 7 parts per trillion in drinking water.

The findings of the MIT research team, published in the journal ACS Nano, illustrate the potential of their silk-cellulose filtration material to outperform conventional filtration methods.

Lead researcher Yilin Zhang, a postdoctoral fellow at MIT, explained that current filtration solutions often fall short in efficiency and economic viability. “That’s why we came up with this protein and cellulose-based, fully natural solution,” he said.

The material was developed from a technology originally intended for a different application – creating a labelling system to combat counterfeit seeds. The researchers discovered that processing silk proteins into nanoscale crystals, or nanofibrils, could yield a highly effective filtration medium.

By integrating cellulose, sourced from agricultural wood pulp waste, the team enhanced the material’s properties, resulting in a hybrid design capable of removing a wide range of contaminants.

In laboratory tests, the new filtration material demonstrated its ability to extract significantly higher concentrations of contaminants compared to standard materials like activated carbon. The cellulose component also imparts strong antimicrobial properties, addressing a common issue in filtration systems: fouling by bacteria and fungi.

Benedetto Marelli, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at MIT, noted the competitive edge of their material. “These materials can really compete with the current standard materials in water filtration when it comes to extracting metal ions and these emerging contaminants,” he said.

Despite its promising results, the research team acknowledges the need for further development, particularly regarding the durability of the material and the sustainability of its source materials.

While silk proteins can be sourced from the textile industry, scaling up production to meet global water filtration demands may require alternative protein sources.

The initial application of this material is expected to be point-of-use filters, such as those that can be attached to kitchen faucets. Future plans include scaling the technology for municipal water supply filtration, pending extensive testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

Experts in the field have praised the approach, noting its reliance on naturally derived materials rather than synthetic alternatives, which often involve complex chemistry.

Hannes Schniepp, a professor of applied science at the College of William and Mary, remarked on the potential impact of the research, stating: “If this can be mass-produced in an economically viable way, this could really have a major impact”.

The research was supported by the US Office of Naval Research, the US National Science Foundation, and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology.

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