Sequestration and Removal of Multiple Small-Molecule Contaminants Using an Optimized Aptamer-Based Ultrafiltration...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Small-molecule toxins contaminate water, posing risks to health and ecosystems.
• Aptamers offer specific binding for toxin removal, but challenges exist in membrane functionalization and multi-target capture.
• Previous efforts with aptamer-functionalized membranes had low efficiency and single-target limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize aptamer-functionalized ultrafiltration membranes for efficient, simultaneous removal of multiple small-molecule toxins.
• To investigate critical fabrication and functionalization parameters for improved membrane performance.
• To demonstrate the system's efficacy in a complex water matrix.

Main Methods:

• Systematic optimization of membrane fabrication (PEG molecular weight) and functionalization (pMAA grafting, aptamer coupling).
• Fabrication of aptamer-functionalized ultrafiltration membranes.
• Testing the membranes for the simultaneous removal of atrazine, bisphenol A, and microcystin-LR from lake water.

Main Results:

• Achieved high flux and near-quantitative DNA attachment yields under optimized conditions.
• Demonstrated effective simultaneous depletion of multiple small-molecule toxins and bacterial cells.
• Successfully removed atrazine, bisphenol A, and microcystin-LR using multi-aptamer functionalized membranes.

Conclusions:

• Optimized aptamer-functionalized membranes provide an efficient scaffold for toxin sequestration.
• The system enables simultaneous removal of diverse contaminants, including toxins and microorganisms.
• Aptamer-functionalized membranes show significant potential as point-of-use water decontamination systems.