Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are extensively used for their water- and grease-repellent properties. However, the exceptionally stable carbon-fluorine bonds that confer these benefits also render PFAS resistant to degradation and prone to environmental and biological accumulation, raising serious health concerns—from cancer to developmental disorders. ( bioresurse)
Context and Technical Innovation
The DREAM (Sustainable Repellent Engineered Advanced Materials) team at the University of Toronto, led by Professor Kevin Golovin, has developed a novel coating based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a biocompatible material commonly used in medical applications. ( bioresurse)
To achieve simultaneous water and grease repellency, the team implemented an innovative technique called “nanoscale fletching,” inspired by the feathering on an arrow. This involves attaching very short PFAS chains (CF₃ compounds) to the tips of PDMS “bristles,” creating a three-dimensional structure optimized for maximal repellency with minimal PFAS use. ( bioresurse)
Performance and Advantages
In textile testing, the hybrid coating achieved a score of 6 on the AATCC scale (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists), comparable to traditional PFAS-based coatings such as Teflon, but with a significantly reduced ecological footprint. ( bioresurse)
Risk Reduction
Although the solution still incorporates PFAS, the use of the shortest possible fluorinated chains (CF₃) substantially reduces the risk of bioaccumulation, as PFAS toxicity increases with chain length.
Implications and Future Outlook
Amid growing regulatory pressure targeting hazardous PFAS, this technological advancement arrives at a critical moment. The research team is open to collaborations with manufacturers interested in scaling up production and applying the technology in food-contact and consumer products.
Despite remaining challenges—particularly the goal of developing PFAS-free coatings entirely—this innovation represents a significant step toward safer, more sustainable non-stick materials.
Conclusions
- The PDMS hybrid with nanoscale fletching provides an effective non-stick alternative to traditional PFAS.
- Minimizing PFAS content through the use of CF₃ chains reduces environmental and health risks.
- The approach marks an important research milestone, though fully PFAS-free solutions remain in development.
Collaboration between research institutions and industry is essential for commercial implementation, especially in food-related applications.
Source NATURE.