Biobased PFAS replacements derived from soy

Authors: Moser, Bryan

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2025
Publication Date: 2/17/2025
Citation: Moser, B.R. 2025. Biobased PFAS replacements derived from soy [abstract]. Greater Peoria AgTech Connect Event, February 17, 2025, Peoria, IL.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: PFAS are a large group of human-made organofluorine compounds with numerous important industrial applications, including textiles, food packaging, cookware, personal care products, cosmetics, fire fighting foams, surfactants, paints, coatings, electronics, and several others. The presence of carbon-fluorine bonds within PFAS gives them unique chemical properties, including exceptional biological, chemical, thermal, and physical stability as well as excellent oil and water repellency. However, PFAS are toxic, not renewable or sustainable, and are not biodegradable, which enables them to persist and bioaccumulate in the environment as toxic pollutants. As a result, PFAS have been identified in wildlife, livestock, and humans, with some estimates suggesting that over 98% of people, including newborns, contain PFAS in their blood. Adverse human health effects of PFAS include altered immune and thyroid function, liver and kidney diseases, obesity, insulin dysregulation, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, cardiovascular effects, depression, cancers, and others. Thus, alternatives to PFAS have become an important area of research. We plan to develop biobased and nontoxic food packaging materials from soy that are PFAS-free. If successful, this effort will increase utilization of soy while simultaneously replacing toxic, nonrenewable, and environmentally persistent PFAS with safer alternatives.