Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Multilayer Multifunctional Nasal Filter
Categories for this Invention
Categories: Environmental Engineering | Micro & Nano Technologies
Industry: Nasal Filters, Air Quality & Filtration, Healthcare, Environmental Technology, Nano Technology, Nano-filters, Protective Equipment
Applications: Health & Safety, Face masks, Air purifier, quality monitoring & data collection
Market: The global Nasal Filter market was valued at USD 6.01 Million in 2019, and is projected to reach USD 8.96 Million by 2026, growing at 5.9% CAGR from 2019 to 2026.
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Problem Statement
- Air pollution causes respiratory & cardio-vascular diseases, due to the exposure to particulate matter PM2.5, increasing the demand of effective filtration solutions.
- Existing filter technologies face a challenge in simultaneously improving filtration efficiency and air permeability and to create efficient filtration systems that balance high dust removal with low air pressure drop, using nanofibers. Striking a balance is a concern.
- Indian urban environments research indicates a distinct charge distribution in dust particles.
- Hence, innovative solutions are required to face this unique filtration challenge and to address all the above mentioned issues.
Technology
- The present invention discloses an improved nasal filters designed to improve the filtration of particulate matter below 10 µm in size, focusing on PM2.5.
- The Multilayer Multifunctional Nasal Filter is designed using multilayered molecularly functionalized nanofibers wherein, PAN nanofibers are created by electrospinning followed by chemical treatment to induce positive charges, while PS nanofibers are similarly treated to induce negative charges for enhanced filtration of particulate matter.
The design comprises of the following layers, in the direction of airflow:
Key Features / Value Proposition
Industrial Perspective:
- Better air quality & productivity for versatile industrial application, including application within the disposable nasal plug filters.
- Tailored electrospinning production for Workforce health improvement and reduced absenteeism by reduced pollutant exposure.
User Perspective:
- Used as standalone face masks with effective filtration, customized & comfortable Snug nose nostril fit for ease of use. Integration to various protection devices as it provides Comprehensive protection from particles with different charges.
Technical Perspective:
- It improves inhaled air quality with 99% filtration efficiency for PM2.5, where the filter gives comfortable & customized fit.
- Multi-layer structure with distinct charges & non-woven mats for superior filtration.
- Potential for metallic nanobrush deposition on conducting fibers.
- Incorporation of functional materials (Al₂O₃, SiO2, MgO, Fe₂O₃) during electrospinning for enhanced charge and filtration.
- The beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) is incorporated into PVDF-PEO/PANI composite, making them humidity sensors that enhances the rate of humidity adsorption & desorption during respiration for breath analysis, valuables for air quality & health research.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Pradeep T
Department of Chemistry
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref.: 1527
- IP Grant No.: 351038;
- PCT No.: PCT/IN2018/050108
Technology Readiness Level
TRL- 4
Validated in Lab