Filtering the Invisible: PolyGone Systems Tackles Microplastic Pollution

The Princeton-born startup focuses on material-affinity, a process where substances are engineered to naturally attract and isolate plastic contaminants. By moving away from rigid barriers—which frequently clog and fail to stop microscopic debris—the company aims to integrate its technology directly into existing infrastructure. This approach allows water management operators to address systemic risk without overhauling entire treatment plants.

CEO Nathaniel Banks argues that the industry must shift its focus from simple mechanical straining to smarter material interactions. Current municipal systems struggle with a lack of standardized data, making it difficult to track purification efficacy in real time. PolyGone’s solution seeks to close this transparency gap, offering a scalable method to secure public health as researchers continue to link plastic-derived chemical additives to long-term biological consequences. The technology is currently being highlighted on the Public Television program All Access hosted by Andy Garcia.