Corn-Derived Cyclodextrins Emerge as a Breakthrough Solution for Removing Forever Chemicals From Drinking Water

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called "forever chemicals," contaminate drinking water supplies across the country and pose serious health risks. Researchers at Northwestern University developed a groundbreaking solution using beta-cyclodextrin polymers — cup-shaped sugar molecules derived from corn starch — that act like molecular magnets for PFAS compounds.

Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society and recognized by NIEHS, the cyclodextrin-based adsorbent demonstrates over ten times stronger binding affinity for PFOA than conventional activated carbon. In laboratory testing, the material achieved nearly 100% removal of nine different PFAS compounds within just two minutes.

The technology has been certified by NSF International as safe for drinking water treatment and can remove all 40 PFAS compounds targeted in the EPA’s PFAS Roadmap. In 2024, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection approved the technology for use in municipal drinking water systems statewide.

This research highlights how cyclodextrins, already well-established in pharmaceutical and food applications, are now playing a critical role in environmental remediation and public health protection.