Hydrophobic Fiber Filter Media with Moringa Oleifera Protein Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current water filtration technologies face challenges in effectively removing oils, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microbes due to issues like biofouling in membrane filtration and insufficient disinfection in media filtration, leading to reduced efficiency and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The development of filter media comprising hydrophobic fibers with electrostatically disposed microbial binding materials, such as proteins extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds, which are oleophilic and cationic, enhancing the removal of contaminants by electrostatic interactions and coagulation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If membrane filtration is used to remove contaminants, then removal efficiency is improved, but biofouling increases leading to decreased lifetime and increased energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter media applies preliminary action by coating hydrophobic fibers with microbial binding materials (MO proteins) before filtration begins. This pre-coating creates a functional surface that actively binds contaminants from the start, preventing the gradual accumulation that causes biofouling in conventional membranes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining hydrophobic fiber substrates with microbial binding protein coatings. This composite structure integrates the mechanical strength and oil affinity of hydrophobic fibers with the contaminant-binding capability of MO proteins, creating a material that resists biofouling while maintaining high removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If membrane filtration is used to remove contaminants, then removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical pressure-driven filtration mechanism of conventional membranes with a chemical/biological binding mechanism. The MO proteins on the hydrophobic fibers actively bind contaminants through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, reducing reliance on high pressure and thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If media filtration is used to treat water, then operational simplicity is improved, but disinfection capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoiddisinfection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter media achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple contaminant removal mechanisms into a single system. The hydrophobic fibers provide oil and organic contaminant removal through hydrophobic interaction, while the MO protein coating provides microbial binding and disinfection through electrostatic and hydrophobic mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate treatment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges previously separate functions (oil removal and microbial disinfection) into a single filter media. The combination of hydrophobic fiber substrate with MO protein coating creates a unified system that simultaneously addresses both organic contaminant removal and microbial disinfection, simplifying operation while enhancing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 media achieves high removal efficiencies for oils, PFAS, and microbes, including 7-log removal of E. coli and >99.95% oil removal, while maintaining effectiveness across varying salinity and flow rates, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for water treatment.

Implementation Method 1

The microbial binding material can be electrostatically disposed on the hydrophobic fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The hydrophobic fiber can be oleophilic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

The cationic binder can comprise a cationic protein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20240424477A1System and devices for removal of contaminates

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

Disclosed are methods, devices, systems, and filter media for the removal of contaminants (e.g., oils, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and/or microbes) from a fluid. The filter media can comprise a fiber (e.g., a hydrophobic fiber or an oleophilic fiber, such as Ceiba pentandra fibers), and a binder (e.g., an extract from Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds). The filter media, systems, and devices described herein can be used to remove contaminants (e.g., oils, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and/or microbes) from a fluid.