Sequestration of small molecules from aqueous solutions poses a significant and important challenge in environmental science and human health. Current methods focus on broadly sequestering all small molecules but are unable to address specific small molecules of interest. Additionally, these procedures require large amounts of resources, such as electricity and pressure. We propose to address this challenge through the use of DNA aptamer-functionalized ultrafiltration membranes. To demonstrate this approach, we developed an aptamer-functionalized membrane that sequesters and removes the small-molecule contaminant bisphenol A (BPA) from water. We show that BPA is depleted and that the membranes can be regenerated for multiple uses, which can allow for recovery of the small molecule when desired. Aptamers can be selected for a wide variety of target small molecules, making this approach highly generalizable beyond our initial demonstration. Together, this research offers a promising solution to improving the efficacy of small molecule removal and recovery from aqueous matrices.

中文翻译：

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使用适体功能化膜的小分子螯合

从水溶液中螯合小分子对环境科学和人类健康构成了重大而重要的挑战。当前的方法集中于广泛螯合所有小分子，但是不能解决感兴趣的特定小分子。另外，这些程序需要大量的资源，例如电和压力。我们建议通过使用DNA适配子功能化的超滤膜来应对这一挑战。为了证明这种方法，我们开发了一种适体功能化的膜，该膜可隔离并从水中去除小分子污染物双酚A（BPA）。我们表明，BPA已耗尽，并且膜可以再生用于多种用途，这可以在需要时允许回收小分子。可以为多种目标小分子选择适体，这使这种方法在我们最初的演示中得到了广泛推广。总之，这项研究为提高从水性基质中去除和回收小分子的功效提供了一种有前途的解决方案。