Mucin-inspired thermogels for programmable nanoplastic removal in water purification

Authored by

Florian Tondock, David Nash, Deborah Lückermann, Julius Ruhe, Jörn Droste, Marie Weinhart

Abstract

Plastic pollution represents a threat to global ecosystems, as fragmentation generates nanoplastics (NPs) that pose ecotoxicological risks. Their nanoscale size and low concentrations make detection and removal from water challenging. Inspired by jellyfish mucus, we develop amphiphilic bottlebrush copolymers based on oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (OEGA). These polymers self-assemble into micelles and exhibit a reversible, temperature-induced sol-gel-syneresis transition, capturing NPs from solution in situ . Heating triggers hydrogel collapse via terminal OEGA-methoxy groups, enriching hydrophobic NPs within the matrix. Using fluorophore-labeled polystyrene NPs (20–1,000 nm), we achieve removal efficiencies of 68%–100%; activated carbon further improves performance. Pre-collapsed hydrogels enable passive filtration, capturing >70% within 24 h. Cooling dissolves the matrix and releases captured NPs, achieving recovery efficiencies of up to 61% after ultracentrifugation for trace analysis. Ionic groups enable selective dye capture, underscoring the system’s versatility as a modular, programmable platform for next-generation water purification technologies.

Details

Organisation(s): Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry
Institute of Organic Chemistry
Section Polymers and Biomaterials
External Organisation(s): Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin)
Type: Article
Journal: Cell Reports Physical Science
Volume: 7
Publication date: 20.05.2026
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: General Chemistry, General Materials Science, General Engineering, General Energy, General Physics and Astronomy, Environmental Science(all)
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being, SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 14 - Life Below Water
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2026.103257 (Access: Open )