Biomolecule-Functionalized Polymeric Ultrafiltration Membranes for the Removal and Degradation of Contaminants and Toxins

With an increase of contaminated water sources worldwide, the sequestration of small-molecule contaminants and toxins has become a priority and unique scaffolds are needed which can effectively sequester and remove these contaminants from an aqueous matrix. Polymeric ultrafiltration membranes offer an advantageous scaffold, as they are fabricated from inexpensive materials using facile preparatory techniques and water can pass through them under pressures that can be easily generated using human power. However, given their relatively large pore sizes, they lack the ability to sequester small molecules. To overcome this challenge, we use aptamers which show promise as affinity reagents for binding these toxins. We examine multiple critical components involved in fabricating and functionalizing the membranes, including PEG polymer molecular weight for membrane fabrication, grafting conditions for pMAA attachment, and coupling reagents for aptamer functionalization. Furthermore, and to increase the lifetime of the polymeric material, we attach enzymes capable of degrading small-molecules and contaminants, therefore creating a self-regenerative material that can be used extensively. Our rigorous evaluation resulted in the creation of a functional material which allows the depletion and degradation of multiple small-molecule toxins, contaminants, and microorganisms, demonstrating the potential of biomolecule-functionalized membranes as point-of-use decontamination systems.