Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of about 4,700 synthetic chemical substances. They are referred to as “forever chemicals” as they persist exceptionally in the environment and the human body. Owing to their confirmed harmful effects, restrictions on their use are being implemented worldwide. The unique technology developed by the Wroclaw startup, Gekko Photonics, could aid in eliminating PFAS from production.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are widely used in industries including food, garment, and chemical industry. They are used to prevent food from sticking to packaging or kitchen vessels, to provide stain resistance to clothes and carpets, in the production of waterproof clothing, and in adhesives and paints. They persistently pollute the environment and can lead to health problems such as thyroid diseases, fertility issues, and cancers. One of the latest studies (2024) conducted by scientists from the University of Birmingham, showed that PFAS can be absorbed through human skin, also entering the bloodstream. Furthermore, last year’s study by the Keck School of Medicine team in the USA indicated that PFAS alter human metabolism, including fats and amino acids. The latest research (2024) by a Swiss team involved in environmental protection found 68 “forever chemicals” in food packaging used worldwide, 61 of these are already banned substances.
The selected examples illustrate the scale of the problem. Thus, more markets and entities are introducing or expanding regulations regarding PFAS. The European Commission plans to withdraw PFAS containing products from the market by 2030, with restrictions protecting selected sectors. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) proposed PFAS restrictions in 2023, and new legislative proposals for the EU market are currently being developed. Regulations are also being introduced at the level of individual member countries. For instance, France adopted a law prohibiting the use of PFAS in almost all products, except for kitchen utensils, on April 4th. Meanwhile, at least 28 states in the USA have implemented one or more regulations regarding PFAS, with 20 of them doing so in the last five years.
“Over the past few years, it has been increasingly confirmed that many PFAS have a detrimental impact on the environment and human health. Awareness of the problem is growing, even among manufacturers themselves, and restrictions are covering an ever broader range of applications and product categories. The challenge, however, is not only to further shift production but above all to control current production, which should already meet certain standards. Worldwide diagnosis so far is not automated, which eliminates the possibility of real-time production control. Our proprietary technology solves this problem, and chemical diagnostics based on Raman spectroscopy is very efficient, also in the case of polymers. In the coming months, we plan to develop our device for companies expecting fast and reliable PFAS detection,” explains Robert Stachurski, CEO of Gekko Photonics.
The Spectrally device, developed by the Wroclaw startup, coupled with an automated platform, is based on proprietary spectroscopy technology utilizing reflective and transmissive Raman spectroscopy and SERS spectroscopy. It non-invasively and instantly identifies the chemical components in industrial products. It enables up to 93% of industry products to be identified with analysis results available in one minute. It detects not only pure substances but also mixtures of several substances, and its measurements do not require sample preparation or production stoppage.
Gekko Photonics is currently carrying out projects for special chemical manufacturers and household chemistry manufacturers, and it has already carried out the first implementations proving the efficiency of its technology. In one manufacturer’s case, the Spectrally device made it possible to segregate waste into toxic and non-toxic categories more effectively by 10-30%. Another manufacturer saw Gekko Photonics deploy a device equipped with a fiber-optic probe, immersed in mixed ingredients, for real-time process signal collection. When linked with industrial mixers, it enables continuous, highly precise supervision over the mixing process, which was shortened by even 30%, making it more predictable and efficient.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/wroclawski-startup-opracowal-technologie-ktore-zrewolucjonizuje-walke-z-pfas-19602
