Regenerative Adsorbents Inspired by Mammals’ Mucociliary Escalators (Re-AIMEs)

Background

Air pollution causes more than 6.5 million premature deaths globally, due to the significant adverse health effects particularly on children, the elderly, and communities with low socioeconomic status. There are many different sources of air pollution including vehicle emissions, natural gas for heating, by-products of manufacturing, and fumes from chemical production. Current air pollution technologies use filters to remove certain harmful particles, but do not specifically target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution. There is a need for community-centered solutions to counteract air pollution effects that also target VOCs.

Invention Description

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed regenerative adsorbents inspired by mammals’ mucociliary escalators (Re-AIMEs). These absorbents are hydrogel materials that encapsulate and sustain the carbon-supported microbial system similar to how mucilage is used by plant and animal species to protect and hydrate exposed tissues. These hydrogels are based on polysaccharides, including alginate and chitosan, that are relatively abundant and biodegradable. The hydrogels will be formed into small beads that can be packed into a filtration column and modified to be partially amphiphilic, to promote the absorption and diffusion of non-polar hydrocarbons, including VOCs. The outer surface of the beads can be modified to promote mechanical strength, limit water loss, and hinder external microbial growth or fouling.  

Potential Applications

• Direct air capture of CO2

Benefits and Advantages

• Targets VOCs – degrades toxic VOCs to less toxic compounds
• High mechanical strength – outer surface of hydrogel beads has enhanced mechanical properties
• Sustainable – hydrogel materials are bio-based, abundant, and biodegradable
• Hinders external microbial growth or fouling – enhances filtration performance