Using molecularly imprinted polymers and fluorescence sensing, researchers at BAM have developed a portable solution to rapidly detect ‘forever chemicals’.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the analytically most challenging compounds in today’s chemical management. Their diversity, chemical stability and occurrence down to trace levels require sophisticated analytical techniques. While such laboratory techniques are essential for regulatory evaluation and environmental monitoring, they are unable to deliver the rapid feedback needed for industrial process control and emissions management.
To address this gap, BAM has developed a new on-site PFAS analysis approach that delivers fast, application-oriented results directly at the point of need.¹ The method uses advanced molecular recognition integrated into a compact system that provides reliable results within minutes. Instead of attempting comprehensive PFAS detection, the system targets specific PFAS subclasses relevant to a particular application, enabling speed and robustness.
Molecular imprinting as the basis for selectivity
The sensing concept relies on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), synthetic recognition elements designed to selectively bind certain molecules or groups of related molecules. By choice of an adequate template, MIPs can be tailored toward a compound or subclass that is relevant in a given analytical context.
In the first demonstration, BAM focused on per- and polyfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), a prominent PFAS subclass that has been widely used in the past, is ubiquitous, and is therefore of great importance for regulatory activities. Their chemical properties make them a challenging but suitable target to prove the sensor concept under realistic conditions.
This strategy considers that it is impossible to detect all >10,000 PFAS on-site. By focusing on PFCAs as lead compounds, the BAM approach shows how analytical relevance and operational feasibility can be combined.
Modularity and expandability by design
A major advantage of the MIP-based platform is its modularity. The system is not limited to PFCAs, but the dual-fluorescent nanoparticles can be adapted to different PFAS subclasses, depending on the analytical requirements of the user.
This modularity is an intentional design principle and an area of ongoing research within the BAM Group. As new subclasses of PFAS become of interest, through shifts in industrial usage or regulatory focus, new MIPs can be developed and incorporated into the existing platform without the need for complete redesign. Such designed selectivity and flexibility are a major advantage when analysing PFAS, where both industrial usage patterns and regulatory interests are subject to change.
Miniaturised analytics delivers results in minutes
The MIP-based sensing approach is incorporated in a miniaturized analytical platform that combines liquid handling, chemical sensing, and optical detection. Liquid samples can be analysed with minimal preparation, and PFCA detection takes about 15 minutes.
Optical detection transduces molecular recognition events into fluorescence signals, which are digitally processed. Miniaturisation reduces reagent consumption, and ratiometric sensing supports reproducibility. The compact format makes the system suitable for industrial plants.
This combination of selective chemistry and miniaturised instruments allows PFAS analysis to be moved from the laboratory to operational settings where rapid information is important.
Validation using real samples
The technology is currently at a readiness level of 4 (TRL 4) and has been validated in laboratory settings using real samples instead of simulated solutions. Validation with real matrices is a crucial step in the detection of PFAS, as the presence of the matrix and potential interferents can limit performance. The fact that selective detection of PFCAs has been achieved under these circumstances is a clear indication of the robustness of the detection strategy and provides a sound foundation for further development.
For now, the system is still a laboratory prototype and has not yet been employed in real industrial settings such as soil washing or wastewater treatment plants.
Enabling rapid decisions in industrial contexts
The method is intended for industrial process control and emissions management. It is not intended to replace laboratory analyses for approvals or provide a complete environmental analysis, but rather support rapid interventions where the time delay caused by sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis would make operational control impossible.
Potential application scenarios include (i) monitoring PFAS-relevant streams within industrial processes, (ii) assisting the optimisation of treatment or separation technologies, (iii) detecting deviations that could lead to unintended emissions, and (iv) providing rapid analytical feedback at facilities such as soil washing or treatment plants.
In such cases, the capability to rapidly detect relevant PFAS subclasses, such as PFCAs, allows for immediate action to be taken, thereby reducing emissions at source rather than documenting them retrospectively.
Complementing laboratory-based PFAS analysis
By design, the on-site system cannot make ‘PFAS-free’ claims and does not detect all PFAS. Laboratory-based methods remain essential for full environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance. Instead, the BAM approach is a part of a multi-step analytical strategy where on-site detection provides rapid application-specific information, and laboratory analysis is used for detail and legal certainty required for environmental decision-making.
The next innovation step: Towards a deployable prototype
With the system now at TRL 4, the next phase will focus on implementation and systems engineering to adapt the platform for real-world conditions, where ruggedness, user-friendliness, and reliability are of paramount importance.
Major development goals are (i) adapting sample interfaces to real process streams with variable composition,² (ii) integrating optical, fluidic, and electronic components into a robust system, (iii) ensuring stable calibration and reproducible performance outside the laboratory, and (iv) expanding the modular MIP concept to other PFAS subclasses. Achieving these milestones would enable pilot and demonstration projects that would lead to higher TRLs.
A flexible innovation for a complex chemical challenge
BAM’s on-site PFAS detection technology shows how targeted, modular analytical systems can meet industrial needs without overpromising. By initially focusing on PFCAs, validating performance with real samples, and incorporating modularity into its design, this approach creates a new analytical capability with clear development potential. Its adaptability will ensure that the platform keeps up with changing industrial and regulatory requirements, which is critical for managing one of the most persistent and diverse classes of chemicals that are in use today.
References
- Y Sun, et al. Ratiometric detection of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids using dual fluorescent nanoparticles and a miniaturised microfluidic platform. Nat Commun 16 (2025) 10869
- V Pérez-Padilla, et al. Detection of perfluoroalkylic acids from water using a guanidine-based fluorescent probe and microfluidic droplet extraction. Adv Sens Res 5 (2026) e70145
Dr Knut Rurack
Head of unit, Molecules; Chemical and Optical Sensing Division
Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
Dr Kornelia Gawlitza
Scientist, Materials; Chemical and Optical Sensing Division
Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
Dr Jérémy Bell
Scientist, Devices; Chemical and Optical Sensing Division
Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
Please Note: This is a Commercial Profile