Electrospun Biocidal Nanofiber Filter for Breathable Virus Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facial masks are inadequate in preventing the transmission of nano-scaled viruses and particles due to gaps between fibers, leading to potential inhalation and entry into the respiratory system, and there is a lack of effective solutions to prevent the spread of viral diseases.
Innovation Solution
A biocidal non-woven matrix comprising electrospun nanofibers with specific diameters, porosity, and a biocidal agent, designed to capture and inactivate microorganisms, with a water contact angle less than 90° and porosity suitable for air permeability, allowing for effective filtration while maintaining breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filter materials (polyester, polypropylene) are used, then manufacturing cost is low and structure is simple, but they promote algal growth and bacterial proliferation due to hydrophobic surfaces and organic leftovers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous glass filter material with controlled pore sizes (1-100 micrometers) that allows mechanical filtration while preventing organic matter accumulation. The porous structure enables water flow through capillary action without creating hydrophobic surfaces that promote microbial growth, thus eliminating algal and bacterial proliferation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established glass forming processes
Solution Approach 2:
The filter combines inorganic glass matrix with metal oxide coatings (alumina, silica, titania) to create a composite structure. This composite material provides both the mechanical filtration properties of porous glass and the biocidal/anti-fouling properties of metal oxide surfaces, preventing organic matter adhesion and microbial growth without requiring complex multi-layer constructions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If activated carbon is used to remove organic matter, then organic contamination is reduced, but the filter becomes clogged and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The porous glass structure with controlled pore sizes provides mechanical filtration that physically blocks organic matter particles without relying on adsorption. The smooth glass surface and appropriate pore size distribution prevent organic matter from penetrating and accumulating within the filter matrix, eliminating clogging while maintaining continuous filtration effectiveness throughout the filter's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical adsorption mechanism of activated carbon with a physical-mechanical filtration system based on porous glass. This mechanical filtration approach, combined with hydrophilic surface properties, prevents organic matter adhesion through physical barriers and surface energy characteristics rather than chemical binding, thereby avoiding pore blockage and extending filter durability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If biocidal agents are applied to filter surfaces, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but toxic substances are released into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The filter material possesses inherent anti-fouling properties through its hydrophilic glass surface and porous structure that prevent organic matter accumulation. The surface characteristics create an environment where bacteria cannot easily adhere or proliferate, providing self-cleaning functionality without requiring external biocidal treatments, thus eliminating toxic substance release while maintaining bacterial growth inhibition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful hydrophobic surface property of conventional filters into a beneficial hydrophilic surface through glass material selection and surface treatment. This hydrophilic characteristic causes water and organic matter to spread rather than bead up, preventing organic matter accumulation and bacterial growth without needing toxic biocides, thus turning a potential disadvantage into an anti-fouling advantage
4Object-affected harmful factors
If filter pore size is reduced to improve filtration, then particle removal increases, but water flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter employs a multi-layer porous glass structure with different pore sizes at different depths. The outer layers have larger pores for high flow rate, while inner layers have smaller pores for fine particle removal. This local quality variation allows the filter to achieve both high filtration efficiency and maintained water flow rate by distributing the filtration function across multiple zones with optimized pore structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The matrix effectively captures and inactivates viruses and other microorganisms, reducing transmission risks and maintaining air permeability, suitable for use in protective masks.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to a filter (10) for purifying water, in particular drinking water, from suspended particles and the like. The filter (10) comprises a housing (11) and a filter material (12) arranged in the housing (11), wherein the filter material (12) comprises porous glass
Implementation Method 2
Filter materials of porous glass, in particular those having a hydrophilic outer surface, do not promote the growth of algae and bacteria and do not adhere organic matter to their surface
Implementation Method 3
it has long been desired to be able to remove organic matter and dissolved substances from water with filter materials of porous glass
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Compositions and articles comprising a non- woven matrix for use as anti-microbial filters are provided. In some embodiments, the non-woven matrix comprises nanofibers suitable for capturing a droplet comprising a microbe (e.g. a virus particle). In some embodiments, the non- woven matrix comprises a biocide suitable for reducing propagation and/or inactivating a microbe.