Sumac-Coated Air Filter for Airborne Influenza Inhibition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current antiviral drugs for influenza have side effects and are not entirely effective in preventing airborne transmission of influenza viruses, which poses a significant public health risk during seasonal epidemics and pandemics.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising sumac extract, potentially combined with ginkgo extract, is used to create an air filter and air cleaner that can inhibit influenza viruses, specifically targeting strains like A/PR/8(H1N1) and A/California/04/09, to prevent airborne infection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antiviral drugs are used to prevent influenza infection, then viral infection prevention is improved, but side effects and incomplete effectiveness against airborne transmission occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sumac extract, a natural plant-based substance, as a disposable coating on air filters. This extract provides antiviral activity against influenza viruses without the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. The filter with sumac extract coating can be replaced regularly, providing continuous protection through a safe, non-pharmaceutical approach.
2Reliability
If sumac extract is applied to air filter, then airborne influenza virus removal is improved, but filter manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antiviral component (sumac extract) from the whole sumac plant and applies it as a coating on standard air filters. This extraction approach allows the use of conventional filter structures while adding the antiviral function through a separate coating step, rather than attempting to create entirely new complex filter materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by coating sumac extract onto existing air filter materials. This combines the mechanical filtration capabilities of the base filter with the antiviral properties of the sumac extract coating, achieving enhanced virus removal efficiency without completely redesigning the filter system.
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 sumac and ginkgo extract composition effectively reduces the viral load of influenza A and B strains, demonstrating significant inhibitory activity against airborne influenza viruses, making it suitable for use in air filters and cleaners to prevent infection.
Implementation Method 1
The sumac and ginkgo extract composition effectively reduces the viral load of influenza A and B strains, demonstrating significant inhibitory activity against airborne influenza viruses
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a composition for the prophylaxis of influenza viral infection comprising a sumac extract, an air filter coated with the same, and an air cleaner comprising the air filter. Having high inhibitory activity against influenza virus, the composition comprising a sumac extract can be applied to the prevention of influenza viral infection. Also, the filter coated with the composition can remove influenza viruses from the air so that it can be employed in an air cleaner for the prophylaxis of influenza viral infection.