TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

Diagnostics and treatment of several infectious airborne diseases are costly. In several countries, governments subsidize this cost, as cases of infections keep emerging. As several outbreaks of virulent airborne microbes have raised public awareness and concerns, nanofiltration has been a focal point in research and development towards clean air. Even though several research groups have studied and fabricated nanofibrous membranes, fabrications into practical nanofilters have not been reported or realized. The lack of practical applications come from the limitations of the nanomembranes related to physical integrity, mechanical robustness and durability. We have developed and patented an innovation related to multifunctional nanofibrous membranes capable of eliminating airborne Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. Generated were hierarchical and multicomponent interwoven networks of nanofibers forming an ultrafine physical barrier able to block nano to micro-sized microbes such as TB bacteria. Model nanofilters were then fabricated from these mechanically-robust and highly porous nanomembranes. From field trial, airborne TB filtration was successful with 100 % elimination. Together with its antibacterial property, excellent flexibility and mechanical strength, the antiUV and water resistant features will surely boost the nanomembrane’s durability against various usages under mild and harsh conditions.

AREA/MATURITY/AWARDS

Primary Application Area: Medical Devices

Technology Development Status: Proven Manufacturability

Technology Readiness Level: TRL 6

Vetted Programs/Awards: 1. Conceptualization of idea for n-Breeze was financially supported by “The Grand Challenges Canada (2014-2015).”
2. n-Breeze was selected as one of the five NSTDA Investors’ Day 2017 finalists
3. n-Breeze was awarded a bronze medal for ‘Medical Device’ inventions from the “46 th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva”

SHOWCASE SUMMARY

Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab

Showcase Booth #: 3MT

Website: https://www.nstda.or.th

GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES

External Funding to Date: The industrial manufacturing prototyping, business development and market trial of n-Breeze is currently financially supported by:
1. Two Thai private companies in filter industries.
2. One international private company in filter industries.
3. Other industrial contract research and partnership under development.