Formaldehyde Dehydrogenase Coated Air Filter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing formaldehyde from indoor air are inefficient, costly, and temporary, with existing air cleaning technologies failing to continuously and effectively reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to acceptable levels, despite their harmful impact on human health.
Innovation Solution
An air cleaning filter coated with formaldehyde dehydrogenase from Alcaligenes sp., combined with NAD and glutathione, using a carrier coated with metals like gold, silver, and polyphenol-based compounds, which immobilizes the enzyme for continuous VOC removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photo-catalysts are used for oxidation/decomposition of formaldehyde, then formaldehyde degradation is achieved, but the process costs are high and the degradation time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the degradation mechanism from photo-catalytic oxidation to enzymatic decomposition using formaldehyde dehydrogenase. This enzyme-catalyzed reaction proceeds rapidly without requiring light activation, thereby increasing degradation speed while maintaining effectiveness and reducing process costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the photo-catalytic system (which requires light energy input and complex catalyst structures) with a biochemical enzyme system. The formaldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme provides catalytic activity without requiring photo-catalysts, UV light sources, or complex mechanical systems, thereby simplifying the overall system and improving efficiency.
2Reliability
If adsorption method using deodorizers or chemical solvents is used, then harmful substances and odors can be neutralized, but the effects are only temporary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs formaldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme that continuously catalyzes the decomposition of formaldehyde as long as the substrate is present. The enzyme operates autonomously without requiring external replenishment of chemicals or solvents, providing sustained long-term effectiveness rather than temporary adsorption that requires frequent replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The enzymatic decomposition process continues continuously as formaldehyde passes through the filter media. The enzyme remains active and repeatedly converts formaldehyde to formic acid and carbon dioxide, ensuring continuous removal action rather than the saturation and deactivation that occurs with adsorption materials.
3Reliability
If ventilation systems are used to induce change of indoor air, then air exchange is achieved, but the installation is difficult and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air purification function from complex ventilation systems and integrates it directly into the air filter. The formaldehyde dehydrogenase-coated filter media performs chemical decomposition of formaldehyde locally at the filter level, eliminating the need for entire ventilation systems to achieve air quality improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies formaldehyde dehydrogenase coating to specific regions within the filter structure where air passes through. This localized enzymatic treatment targets formaldehyde removal at the point of contact, providing effective pollution control without requiring system-wide ventilation infrastructure.
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 filter efficiently and continuously removes formaldehyde from the air, outperforming traditional methods by maintaining high removal capacity over time without causing air pollution or harm to humans.
Implementation Method 1
when formaldehyde is degraded using microorganisms, it is degraded by formaldehyde dehydrogenase to produce formate and carbon dioxide (CO2)
Implementation Method 2
oxidation/decomposition using photo-catalysts
Implementation Method 3
coating formaldehyde dehydrogenase onto a carrier to immobilize the formaldehyde dehydrogenase thereon
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed are a formaldehyde dehydrogenase-containing air cleaning filter, and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes coating a carrier with formaldehyde dehydrogenase to immobilize the formaldehyde dehydrogenase thereon. Alternatively, the method includes coating a carrier with a coating solution, and drying the carrier, wherein the coating solution comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, gold, silver, copper, platinum and combinations thereof, a formaldehyde dehydrogenase, a polyphenol -based compound, a binder selected from the group consisting of silicon-modified acrylic resins, urethane resins, acrylic resins and silicon resins, and water or alcohol. Accordingly, the air cleaning filter wherein a carrier is coated with formaldehyde dehydrogenase, manufactured by the method, is capable of efficiently removing VOCs, in particular, formaldehyde, present in air.