New Delhi, March 10 A study has found that ovalbumin, the primary protein in egg whites, can effectively bind and remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated water, offering a scalable material for removing these highly persistent chemicals.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in products, including non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics, and are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their extreme persistence in the environment and the human body. Exposure to these substances has been linked to various health risks, such as cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption.
Researchers, led by Achintya Bezbaruah from North Dakota State University and Wenjie Xia from Iowa State University, found that ovalbumin acts as a natural carrier protein that binds to and encapsulates PFAS molecules, trapping them in a stable complex.
The binding property of ovalbumin can be harnessed to develop scalable, bio-based materials for capturing PFAS in water treatment systems and natural waters, the researchers said.
"This work lays the foundation for developing a bio-based adsorbent that is both readily available and highly effective. By establishing a high-tech, industrial use for eggs as a starting material for bio-adsorbents, we also see potential new revenue streams for the poultry industry," said study author and associate professor Bezbaruah.
The study, published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science, used molecular modelling and computational techniques to visualize ovalbumin-PFAS interactions at the atomic level.
The researchers identified key amino acids, including arginine and lysine, as primary docking sites for the contaminants.
"Traditional PFAS cleanup methods, such as activated carbon or membrane filtration, can be expensive," said study author and associate professor Xia.
"The potential use of egg-derived proteins represents a paradigm shift towards less expensive and greener chemistry. Leveraging abundant natural proteins as bio-adsorbents offers an environmentally benign approach," he said.
Ovalbumin was found to be able to trap seven types of PFAS under diverse conditions.
Shirsa Mazumdar, a doctoral student at North Dakota State University, said, "It's remarkable that a simple egg white can offer such sophisticated environmental utility."
Doctoral student Jimli Goswami added that the discovery shows "the next great solution to a global crisis might be waiting right in our refrigerator".