Reusable photoactivated particles can effectively eliminate BISphenol A in water

Rice University researchers modified micron-sized particles of titanium dioxide to capture and destroy bisphenol A (BPA), A water pollutant with health effects. The SURFACE cyclodextrin molecules trap BPA, which is then degraded by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the photoactivated particles

Rice University scientists have developed a flycatch-like particle trap for water purification. Rice University environmental engineer Pedro Alvarez's lab creates micron-sized spheres that capture and destroy BPA, a chemical used to make plastics.

Bisphenol A is commonly used in food cans, bottle caps and the lining of water supply lines. It has also been used in baby bottles. Although low doses of BPA do not pose A health risk to people when it permeates food and drink, prolonged exposure can affect the health of children and cause high blood pressure.

Hydroxyl radical - one of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can be released by cheap titanium dioxide when triggered by ultraviolet light. The free radical is vulnerable to failure and must be close enough to bisphenol A to effectively attack bisphenol A to achieve degradation effect. That's why we put particle traps on the surface of the sphere.

The titanium dioxide sphere has a microscopic structure like a flower. The Rice university researchers believe that the soft, petal-like surface provides enough surface area to fix the cyclodextrin molecules.

Cyclodextrin is a common oligosaccharide molecule, which is often used in food and drug fields. Cyclodextrins are amphiphilic molecules that are hydrophobic in the lumen and hydrophilic outside the lumen. BPA is also hydrophobic and naturally attracted to the cavity. Once trapped, the titanium dioxide spheres produce reactive oxygen species that degrade BPA into harmless chemicals.