A novel Microcantilever Biosensing platform for PFOA Detection

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), which pose health risks to humans. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their extremely long lifespans, drinking water PFAS contamination from industrial processes and other sources has been recognized by the EPA as a cancer risk, and regulates the maximum level allowed. Unfortunately, current PFAS detection systems are expensive, require sophisticated machinery, and are not as selective, sensitive, and specific as could be desired. We designed and tested a microcantilever platform for a PFOA biosensor. Anti-albumin antibodies were immobilized on the cantilever surface. When this was exposed to a solution containing PFOA, antibody antigen interactions took place, exerting a stress on the surface of the cantilever tip. This stress led to deflection of the tip, which was measured optically. In a more concentrated PFOA solution, more binding interactions will take place, leading to a greater stress and greater tip deflection. Thus if you have deflection data from an unknown sample, the PFOA concentration can be determined. Preliminary data shows that this approach can predict with high sensitivity the concentration of PFOA in solution.