Project funded by the National Centre for Research and Development under the “Lider XII” call
Project number: LIDER/27/0148/L-12/20/NCBR/2021
Total project value: 1,493,500.00 PLN
Total funding: 1,493,500.00 PLN
Project implementation period: 03/01/2022 – 03/01/2025
Project leader: Dr. Róża Szweda
The problem of water contamination by bioactive compounds has intensified over the past several years due to the increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals in developed societies and the growing environmental pollution caused by plastics. Pharmaceuticals that are not fully metabolized are excreted from the human body and subsequently enter the natural environment. The World Health Organization has raised particular concern about endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which interfere with hormonal function. EDCs can affect the endocrine system and impair development and fertility in animals and humans.
The objective of the project is to develop a highly sensitive and selective method for detecting bioactive water contaminants using fluorescent polymers with defined structures. The monomer sequence of the polymer will be designed to interact specifically with selected analytes.
Programming polymer properties through sequence design represents a breakthrough approach in polymer materials science, enabling very precise modulation of their characteristics. Polymers with defined structures can exhibit functions similar to natural macromolecules, such as receptors, while maintaining desirable material properties, including stability. In the project, sequence-defined homogeneous polymers will be equipped with fluorescent tags and used as probes for detecting bioactive water contaminants. The project will result in the development of a prototype tool for identifying bioactive water pollutants based on innovative polymer materials.
Providing tools for efficient monitoring of bioactive contaminants in water will enable the widespread implementation of water-quality monitoring programs. The direct beneficiaries of the project results will be wastewater treatment facilities, while the broader societal benefits will extend to the entire population.
