US Patent Application 18311630. APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR METHYL MERCURY DETECTION AND CAPTURE simplified abstract
Contents
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR METHYL MERCURY DETECTION AND CAPTURE
Organization Name
The Regents of the University of California
Inventor(s)
William Spaller of Merced CA (US)
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR METHYL MERCURY DETECTION AND CAPTURE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18311630 titled 'APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR METHYL MERCURY DETECTION AND CAPTURE
Simplified Explanation
- The patent application describes devices, systems, and methods for detecting and capturing mercury and methyl-mercury from water sources. - The devices and methods are based on a polymer platform that contains thiol or sulfide moieties and phenol moieties capped with an acid labile cap. - When the thiol groups capture the mercury or methyl-mercury, a proton is released, which catalyzes the cleaving of the acid labile cap. - This cleaving process also produces a proton, allowing for a cascade of deprotonation reactions that enhance the detection limit. - The polymer in solution can be detected and quantified, providing a means for measuring the amount of mercury or methyl-mercury present. - The thiol binding permanently removes the mercury or methyl-mercury from the solution. - The polymer platform can be adapted to a portable handheld device, making it convenient for on-site detection and capture of mercury and methyl-mercury.
Original Abstract Submitted
Devices, systems and methods for the detection and capture of mercury and methyl-mercury from aqueous sources are provided. The devices and methods are based on a polymer platform with thiol or sulfide moieties and phenol moieties capped with an acid labile protected with an acid labile cap. Capture of the Hg or MeHg by the thiol groups releases a proton that will subsequently catalyze the cleaving of the cap that also produces a proton so that one capture event can result in a cascade of deprotonaton reactions enhancing the detection limit. The polymer in solution can be detected and quantified. The thiol binding will also permanently remove the Hg or MeHg from the solution. The platform can be adapted to a portable handheld device.
