Scientists Develop Nanocage-Based Filter That Removes Harmful PFAS from Water

Scientists from the University of Buffalo have developed a type of nanocage-based filter that has successfully removed PFAS from water.

What are PFAS? What is a nanocage? Where is Buffalo?

Answers to these pressing questions and why this research could be the answer to the emerging forever problem caused by these forever chemicals coming at you in 3, 2, 1!

What Are PFAS?

I can’t seem to scroll through my newsfeed without seeing something about forever chemicals these days.

You know, the newest thing that is trying to kill us, but we just discovered that it existed, despite being around for as long as we have been alive.

Yeah. That one!

PFAS are a group of chemicals used since the 1940’s to produce many types of materials.

Two of the most infamous ones are Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluoroocate Sulfonate (PFOS).

It is used in nonstick cookware, grease-resistant paper, water-resistant fabrics (rain jackets, umbrellas, tents, etc.), and other stain-resistant coatings for carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics. Fire extinguisher foam. It is used in electronics, chrome plating, and other textile manufacturing. Paper plates? Probably!

PFAS can be found in cleaning products and even our personal care products like shampoo, dental floss, nail polish, and eye makeup.

It gets into our food. Fish in PFAS contaminated water accumulate them in their bodies. We eat them. We accumulate them in our bodies. Same with cows, chicken, even certain vegetables can take them in with PFAS contaminated water. Few things are safe.

Chances are, you come into contact with countless PFAS as you go through your daily life.

These PFAS break down very slowly. Taking, well, forever, to decompose. This is why headlines and experts have dubbed these materials “forever chemicals.” Add in the fact that the microscopic nature of these materials allows them to infest our environment and even build up in the bodies of people and animals.

You probably have PFAS in your bloodstream right now! Scratch that. Unless you have been living off-grid in a remote area all your life (and if so, kudos for the internet service!) you absolutely have PFAS in your bloodstream right now.

Legislation to Ban New Use of PFAS

Certain states, like California, are working to ban the sale of products containing PFAS in their jurisdiction. Other states and the Federal government are following suit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized legally enforceable limits for drinking water in April 2024. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) passed their own legislation that would restrict PFAS in food packaging in January 2025.

It is a start. But we have a long way to go.

Because we still have an existing problem. What about the damage already done?

Since these forever chemicals will likely persist longer than we will. What can we do about the exposure in our environment? Our food supply? Our homes?

Mitigation efforts are coming. Much like the cleanup activities once we discovered that the miracle material, asbestos, was life-threatening.

Scientists are working on ways to filter these PFAS forever chemicals out of our environment.

Buffalo University scientists have developed a type of nanocage-based filter to solve this problem. At least in drinking water.

But what is a nanocage-based filter and how does it work?

What is a Nanocage-Based Filter and How Does It Work?

Nanocages are essentially hollow nanostructures made up of porous walls.

They have recently been used as a medical treatment delivery method, allowing smart-release and has changed the game in cancer treatment.

But it has other uses, as these Buffalo University scientists have uncovered.

Nanocages can be made from organic materials, such as protein, DNA, or virus-like particles. Or they can be made up of inorganic materials. These are made of gold, silica, carbon, or some other type of hybrid of metal and organic material.

In this case, researchers created nanocages from a group of organic chemicals called porphyrins. These porphyrin nanocages have been successfully used to remove antibiotics, insecticides, and other chemicals from the water.

Nanocage-Based Filtration Method Removed 80 to 90% of PFAS From Water

The study, published in American Chemical Society ES&T Engineering indicated that the porphyrins nanocage-based filter was able to absorb 38 types of PFAS. In fact, their nanocages were able to successfully remove 90% of PFAS from groundwater. It even removed 80% of PFAS from unprocessed sewage.

Compared to traditional carbon-based filtration methods, the nanocage-based filter outperforms. Other filter types, like ion exchange resins and reverse osmosis methods may be suitable for other types of contaminants. But they interact weakly with PFAS.

Believe it or not, these scientists claim that nanocage-based filter technology is even more cost-effective, less energy-intensive, and requires less maintenance than traditional techniques. This technology can even be targeted to specific types of contaminants. Or even exclude other types of contents. For example, you could formulate a nanocage filter that will remove PFAS, but still allow fluoride additives to remain in drinking water.

Health Impacts of PFAS

Scientists are discovering the negative health effects of these forever chemicals.

Peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS can cause a variety of conditions.

In children, developmental delays have been noted. As are low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, and even behavioral changes.

PFAS have been shown to interfere with the body’s natural hormones and cause reproductive effects. Decreased fertility and high blood pressure in those who are pregnant to name a few.

It can impact your body’s immune system or even reduce vaccine response. Increase cholesterol levels and risk of obesity. Also notable are the increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.

Could We See Nanocage-Based Filter Systems in Our Homes?

With the mainstream use of carbon-based filters on our tap water faucets, in refillable pitchers, and even on our home refrigerators, could we see a replacement soon?

Will we see nanocage-based filter systems in our homes in our life-time?

And for those with a great memory, I haven’t forgotten my promised trivia question. Buffalo is a city located on the western side of New York state. It is the birthplace of, you guessed it, buffalo wings. It is also the first city with electrically lit streets. Don’t believe me? Just ask Google.

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By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)