Sensori Ottici basati su Fluoropolimeri per la rilevazione di agenti Inquinanti delle Acque.

Surfactants are among the most relevant organic pollutants of water with threatening potential for the aquatic environment. This project aims to evaluate the feasibility of novel devices for fast optical sensing of surfactants and, in general, of molecular pollutants of water. The method is based on the use of transparent fluoropolymer materials, index-matched to water, as ‘label-free’ optical sensors. The intensity of light scattered from rough (or porous) surfaces of these materials undergoes a detectable increase upon adsorption of small amounts of surfactants. A similar approach has been already proved to be effective for the measure of biomolecular interactions. Here we will tackle the study of the spontaneous adsorption of different kind of surfactants on suitably treated surface of a solid fluoropolymer material. Given the unlimited regeneration capabilities, the method has the potential of being implemented in on-line systems for real time detection of water pollutants.