Unmet needs
PFAS treatment: need for an ecofriendly solution
Today, PFAS contamination affects water sources worldwide, posing serious risks to both human health and ecosystems. (For more details, please visit our Human Practices page, under the State of Contamination section.)
Several decontamination techniques already exist, but they all present significant limitations:
This global challenge highlights the urgent need for an effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly PFAS degradation technology capable of providing a permanent solution to this persistent pollution.
Recognizing this need, we set out to design an eco-friendly solution to degrade PFAS.
Our solution
The PFAway technology
PFAway is structured in several key stages, each addressing a critical aspect of PFAS remediation.
The first step of our solution involves specially designed beads containing activated carbon: one type of bead encapsulates one bacterial strain, while another type contains the second strain.
These beads were co-developed with YpHen, a French company specializing in mycoremediation and bioremediation, which develops bio-based, low-impact industrial solutions to restore soil quality and contribute to the ecological transition.
Within this collaboration, our team is responsible for developing and optimizing the bacterial strains, while YpHen leads the production process, bead formulation, and process optimization. This partnership allows us to combine cutting-edge synthetic biology with YpHen’s expertise in bio-based encapsulation technologies, ensuring that the solution is both efficient and scalable.
The beads are specifically designed to safely encapsulate the bacteria, preventing any release into the environment while allowing easy recovery after use. This controlled design guarantees a safe and responsible application, aligning with our commitment to minimize ecological risks.
To maximize PFAS degradation efficiency, we employ a two-strain strategy that targets both long- and short-chain compounds. Labrys portucalensis initiates the process by degrading long-chain PFAS into shorter intermediates, which are then further broken down by a genetically engineered Pseudomonas putida. This strain is equipped with an enhanced dehalogenase to defluorinate short-chain PFAS and a fluorine transporter (FluC) to tolerate the released fluoride.
Finally, the beads are co-formulated with activated carbon, well known for its PFAS adsorption capacity. This creates a synergistic effect between adsorption and biodegradation, significantly boosting overall PFAS removal efficiency and offering a robust solution for contaminated water treatment. The beads are designed to be integrated into a bioreactor, where they will enable continuous water treatment in a controlled environment, combining adsorption and biodegradation for optimal PFAS removal.
During PFAS degradation, dehalogenation releases residual fluoride ions. These fluorides are toxic to humans and must be removed from water to prevent any health risks.
The remaining fluoride in the water can be removed by adding calcium salts such as calcium hydroxide. The calcium reacts with fluoride to form calcium fluoride (CaF₂), an insoluble solid that can be separated from the water (Wang et al., 2015).
The process involves adjusting the pH to around 6, adding the calcium source in a slightly higher amount than the stoichiometric ratio (Ca/F ≈ 0.6), mixing quickly to distribute the reagents, then gently stirring so that the CaF₂ particles grow and settle (Sinharoy et al., 2024).
The water is then clarified, filtered, and neutralized if necessary, making it safe for reuse. The resulting sludge mainly contains CaF₂, which can be recovered and reused as a raw material in the fluorochemical or metallurgical industry, avoiding toxic by-products and reducing waste (Wallace et al., 2020)
Once the beads lose their activity (indicating that the bacteria are no longer viable and the activated carbon is saturated) they can be regenerated. The adsorbed PFAS can then be released by washing the beads with a NaCl solution. These tests were conducted by the Padua iGEM team in 2024 using activated carbon filters in the filtration section.
The beads are then disinfected by dehydration, a low-energy process that eliminates bacteria without producing chemical waste. Finally, the biodegradable beads can be safely composted, ensuring that no microorganisms are released.
Unique value proposition
Our innovative bead-based bioprocess offers a sustainable, efficient, and scalable solution for removing and degrading persistent PFAS contaminants from water. It combines:
The beads must also be eco-friendly. Currently, their production requires 1.85 kWh/kg of energy (range: 1.76–2.03 kWh/kg), generates 3.21 kg CO₂e/kg for the production, and costs €10/kg when purchased from Yphen (including bacteria), with a target selling price of €20/kg. One cubic meter of beads (400 kg) can treat 100 m³ of water, meaning 4 kg of beads are needed per m³ of water treated.
The table below summarizes reported or estimated CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and costs per cubic meter of water treated for different PFAS treatment technologies. When available, values are taken from peer-reviewed literature (LCA, experimental studies, reviews) or technical reports.
For technologies where no published data exist, CO₂ emissions and costs were estimated from reported energy requirements using the following assumptions:
- Electricity price: €0.15/kWh
- Electricity emission factor: 0.40 kg CO₂-eq/kWh (average European grid mix)
Values marked [est.] are estimates calculated under these assumptions.
The reliability of the data varies by technology: figures for adsorption processes (GAC, IX) and membranes (RO, NF) are supported by multiple peer-reviewed sources, whereas data for emerging destruction technologies (EO, NTP, SCWO, HALT) are highly variable and context-dependent and should therefore be considered indicative only.
| PFAway | Reverse osmosis | Activated carbon filters | |||
| CO2 emission/m3 of treated water | |||||
| Energy consumption/m3 of treated water | |||||
| Price/m3 of treated water | |||||
| Technique |
Compared with established PFAS treatment technologies, PFAway is still at a prototype stage and currently far less competitive in terms of cost (≈40 €/m³ vs. <1–2 €/m³ for adsorption or membrane processes), energy (7.4 kWh/m³ vs. 0.1–2.5 kWh/m³ for GAC, IX, NF/RO), and CO₂ emissions (12.8 kgCO₂e/m³ vs. typically <5 kgCO₂e/m³ for mainstream options), but its development targets ≤1 kgCO₂e/m³, ≤1 €/m³, ≤1.6 kWh/m³ would bring it in line with or even ahead of the most efficient existing methods if achieved.
Possible Improvements of the Product
Despite these current limitations, PFAway shows promising potential. To bridge the gap with established technologies and move towards large-scale applicability, targeted improvements are required. The following steps outline a development pathway, organized along a timeline, to anticipate and plan the necessary actions.
Our project aims to develop an integrated and scalable solution for the remediation of PFAS-contaminated water, combining biological, material, and process innovations.
Biological improvements: we aim to enhance the performance and stability of bacterial strains to increase their PFAS degradation capacity and ensure consistent results under varying condition
Bead development: we focus on improving the efficiency, durability, and environmental footprint of the beads used to immobilize bacteria, making the treatment process more sustainable and cost-effective.
Process integration & scale-up: we plan to implement and scale a safe and effective treatment process, integrating monitoring, concentration, bioreactor operation, and water safety measures to ensure readiness for industrial deployment.
These combined improvements will allow us to maximize PFAS removal while achieving our sustainability objectives: reducing carbon footprint, minimizing energy consumption, enabling safe and circular water treatment, and promoting environmentally responsible industrial practices. The sustainability goals associated with our project have been defined through our Human Practice sutainability section.
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The market
Beachhead market and targeted clients
In the early years of development, our primary clients will be integrators who purchase the microbeads to incorporate them into their own systems. Our initial focus will be on demonstrating the product’s value with major French B2B integrators such as Veolia, Suez, and Saur.
These companies have extensive customer networks and the capacity to quickly test, validate, and deploy innovations at scale :
These integrators operate advanced treatment systems, both mobile and fixed, enabling rapid integration of our beads. Additionally, pilot tests can be conducted at volunteer local wastewater treatment plants to collect feedback, adapt the technology to real-world conditions, and strengthen relationships with end users. This combined approach, using integrators for scale-up and pilots for optimization, maximizes the potential for efficient, large-scale deployment.
Only after several years of R&D, when the process is fully developed and the integrated system is operational, will we be able to directly serve end clients such as wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities, and potable water or landfill leachate treatment plants. This gradual approach allows us to transition from a prototype-stage technology to a fully deployable solution.
Benchmarking and Positioning Analysis – PFAway in the French PFAS Remediation Market
As a French company, we first benchmarked our solution against existing players in the French market. This process helps us understand PFAway’s position relative to local competitors while ensuring compatibility with current French PFAS treatment solutions.
Benchmarking involves systematically comparing a company’s solution to others in the market to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. In the context of PFAS remediation, competitors are companies offering technologies or processes to remove or mitigate PFAS contamination. Our study showed that PFAway can occupy a unique position: in some cases complementing existing solutions, in others reinforcing current methods, or offering a more sustainable alternative. A comparative table of key actors and their relation to PFAway is provided below.
| Actor | Remediation Method | Evaluation | Relation to PFAway |
| SUEZ France | |||
| SAUR France / Nijhuis Sau | |||
| Veolia France | |||
| DESOTEC France | |||
| Regenesis France | |||
| EcoGreenEnergy France | |||
| Coldep | |||
| BRGM (public French research) |
Global market : TAM – SAM – SOM analysis
The global PFAS remediation market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing regulatory pressures and the urgent need for effective treatment solutions. Understanding the size, scope, and dynamics of this market is essential to evaluate the opportunities for PFAway and to inform strategic planning for its deployment worldwide.
- The Total Addressable Market (TAM) represents the full global opportunity for PFAS remediation solutions.
- The Serviceable Available Market (SAM) is the portion of the market that PFAway can realistically target once the product and process are validated.
- The Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) corresponds to the initial stage, where the focus is on validating the product in real-world conditions, specifically the beads.
The global market analysis can be directly connected to PFAway’s development and sales plan. The SOM corresponds to the first stage of development, when our priority is to validate the product. Once the beads are validated, we can target the SAM, and eventually the TAM may become accessible once the complete process is fully developed and validated at the SOM and SAM levels.
SWOT and CAME analysis
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Business development strategy
Gantt: Development plan over 10 year period
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Business Model Canvas
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| Problem | Solution | Unique value proposition | Distinct/unfair advantages | Customer segments |
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• PFAS persists in water and resists natural degradation. • Current removal methods only capture PFAS without destroying them. • PFAS destruction technologies are costly, energy-intensive, and generate secondary pollution (e.g., CO₂ from incineration). Existing Alternatives : • Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) • Electrochemical Oxidation (EO) • Non-thermal Plasma Treatment • Alkaline Hydrothermal Treatment (HALT) • Thermal Incineration • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) adsorption • Ion Exchange Resins (IX) • Reverse Osmosis (RO) • Nanofiltration (NF) • Foam Fractionation |
• Bio-based beads with PFAS-degrading bacteria. • Combines adsorption and full PFAS degradation. • After product validation, integration into a complete treatment process. • Includes concentration, detection, fluorine removal, and disinfection. • Provides a sustainable alternative to current methods. |
• Sustainable bead-based bioprocess combining adsorption and biodegradation. • Captures and degrades PFAS into harmless compounds. • Consumes less energy and lowers costs vs. current methods. • Easily integrates into existing treatment systems. • Designed to evolve into a full end-to-end PFAS removal process. |
• Unique combination of adsorption (activated carbon) and biodegradation in a single product. • Use of specialized and genetically enhanced bacteria for full PFAS breakdown. • Bio-based, low-energy process with reduced CO₂ emissions. • Designed for seamless integration into existing water treatment systems. • Potential for proprietary microbial strains and encapsulation technology. |
Short term (R&D phase): • Water treatment system integrators using microbeads combine with their own solutions. Long term (post-process validation): • Wastewater treatment plants • Potable water treatment plants • Industrial facilities with PFAS-contaminated effluents • Landfill leachate treatment operators Early adopters • Major French B2B water treatment integrators (Veolia, Suez, Saur) avec large operational networks. • Already use advanced treatment systems (mobile & fixed), enabling easy integration. • Parallel pilot projects in small local wastewater treatment plants for rapid feedback. • Combined approach ensures both fast scale-up and adaptability. |
| Key metrics | Channels | |||
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• PFAS removal efficiency (%) in lab, pilot, and field tests. • Bacterial viability & activity in microbeads over time. • Adsorption capacity and regeneration potential of activated carbon beads. • Process scalability indicators (treatment volume/day). • Cost per m³ treated vs. current methods. • Time from integration to operational validation. • Client adoption rate (integrators & end-users). • Pilot-to-commercial conversion rate. |
• Direct partnerships with major water treatment integrators (Veolia, Suez, Saur). • Pilot projects with small and medium wastewater treatment plants. • Industry events & trade fairs to showcase innovation. • Scientific publications & conferences to build credibility. • B2B marketing via targeted outreach and media. • Online presence (website, LinkedIn, industry platforms). |
| Cost structure | Revenue Streams |
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• R&D and pilot testing — development of bacteria, encapsulation processes, and PFAS degradation validation. • Production of microbeads — raw materials (activated carbon, encapsulation polymers), manufacturing, and quality control. • Specialized equipment — bioreactors, concentration/detection systems, and fluorine removal units for prototype and scaling. • Personnel — salaries for scientists, engineers, regulatory experts, and business development. • Regulatory compliance — safety assessments, environmental impact studies, and certifications. • Partnership and licensing costs — collaboration fees with Yphen and other technology partners. • Deployment & logistics — transportation of microbeads, installation support, and maintenance services for clients. • Marketing & outreach — participation in trade fairs, promotional material, and customer acquisition campaigns. |
• Direct sales of PFAS-degrading beads — sold to integrators during early commercialization phase. • Licensing of technology — granting usage rights to large water treatment companies and industrial partners. • Full process treatment systems — sales of complete PFAS-removal units after full product validation. • Maintenance & consumables — recurring revenue from bead replacement, process reagents, and system upkeep. • Pilot & feasibility studies — paid services to assess PFAS contamination and demonstrate solution effectiveness for clients. • Consulting & custom integration — adapting the technology to specific industrial or municipal treatment needs. |
PESTEL : macro-environment analysis
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Risks analysis
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| Risk | Failure mode | Potential effect | Causes | S | P | D | RPI | Preventive or corrective measures |
Skills gap analysis roadmap
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Business Exit Strategy
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Financial strategy
Sales table
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| Years | Main clients | Products Sold | Price per site (€) | CA (M) |
| 1 | None (R&D) | - | - | 0 |
| 2 | Integrators and Small local WWTPs (2–3 sites) | Microbeads only | 800 000 | 1.6–2.4 |
| 3 | Integrators and Small local WWTPs (5–10 sites) | Microbeads only | 1 200 000 | 6–12 |
| 4 | Integrators (10–20 sites) | Microbeads + 2–3 semi-integrated prototypes | 900 000–1 200 000 | 9–24 |
| 5 | Integrators + first direct clients (20–30 sites) | Microbeads + 5–10 semi-integrated prototypes | 600 000 | 12–18 |
| 6 | Integrators + end clients (50–70 sites) | Complete process (microbeads included) | 250 000–500 000 | 12.5–35 |
| 7 | France/Europe deployment (150–200 sites) | Complete process | 500 000–1 000 000 | 75–200 |
| 8 | International expansion (300–400 sites) | Complete process | 500 000–1 000 000 | 150–400 |
Balance sheet
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Investments plan
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Credibility & due diligence
Stakeholders
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First partners network
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First proofs of concept
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GMO regulations in water treatment
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Marketing strategy and communication
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Conclusion
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