COVID-19 anti-viral nanofibrous filtration media from renewable materials

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Equipment & Technology Innovations

This project aims to create anti-viral, non-woven nanofibre filtration media that effectively captures 0.3 micron sized particles with a minimum pressure drop across the filter. These two aspects create filter media that minimize respiration impedance while maximizing filtration efficiency of aerosol particles. Our research group is actively spinning nanoscale renewable fibres suitable for filtration using the biopolymer, lignin. Lignin is separated from industrial pulping operations here in Canada and previously has been reported to show anti-viral capacity. Further, modification of lignin with non-leaching anti-viral polymers may enhance the anti-viral capability. The proposal is expected to deliver a much needed renewable biopolymer-based filter that will trap and deactivate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.