This invention transforms non-recyclable PET plastic waste, collected from marine and other environments, into sensors for detecting environmental contaminants. The sensors are produced through an eco-friendly depolymerization reaction and further transformation, utilizing monomeric units from PET waste. The sensors are designed to detect metal ions, organic pollutants, and other contaminants through changes in optical properties, including changing colour and/or fluorescence. The developed strategy allows to create a range of sensors tailored for different analytes, providing flexibility and versatility.
The unique design and materials used in the preparation of sensors ensure high accuracy in detecting environmental contaminants, making them accessible for use in Sensor Kit format for educational purposes and/or as analytical tools for environmental monitoring. By transforming discarded PET waste into sensors, the invention offers a sustainable solution for hands-on learning about sustainability, the circular economy, and environmental monitoring.
Background:
The current ways of detecting the environmental contaminants use commercially available reagents.
Benefits:
The use of PET plastic waste is a sustainable alternative that uses non-recyclable plastic to create valuable sensors. It is cost-effective as the use of PET plastic waste is less expensive than the use of reagents in the tradicional detection methods. The strategy to obtain the sensors uses greener depolymerization reactions under advanced heating methods, which reduce both time and energy costs. The Kit Sensor promotes innovative learning, with an engaging and interactive way of learning about environmental monitoring and sustainability. This invention can reach schools and community centers, making environmental monitoring and education more accessible to a broader audience. Moreover, the sensors can be used for real-time monitoring of real samples for several environmental parameters: metal ions, organic pollutants, and other contaminants.
Potential comercial use/applications:
Series of sensors for environmental contaminants detection made from PET plastic waste. The sensors can be used as real-time application tools to detect metal ions, organic pollutants and other contaminants in model samples or genuine samples through a color/ fluorescence change. They can also be used for educational purposes; a Sensor Kit that includes laboratory materials and the experimental procedure, making it a didactic package for learning about sustainability, circular economy, and environmental monitoring.
U.Porto Inovação was established in 2004 to support the University’s innovation value chain by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and strengthening the relationship between the University and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, U.Porto Innovation focuses its activities on research at the University, entrepreneurship within the academic community and U.Porto’s growing connections with industry.
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