Punjab: LPU researchers developed new Algae-based respirator to help mask wearers breathe easy

JALANDHAR: The researchers at Lovely Professional University (LPU) have developed a multipurpose algae-based ‘respirator’ to help ‘masks’ wearing people breathe easily. They have claimed that the algae in the respirator conduct photosynthesis and remove carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, while producing beneficial oxygen.
“It makes the air passing through masks more breathable. This four-layered respirator-‘Oxigeno’ will provide instant relief, especially to frontline workers who have to go through a lot of discomfort while wearing masks for long hours,” said a university spokesperson.
University has said that it has filed a patent for the innovative respirator, which costs around Rs 3,600; however, the price can come down by 30-40% with large scale manufacturing. “It filters out 99.3 per cent of the harmful gasses and small particles in the air, while increasing the amount of oxygen passing through it,” LPU spokesperson has added.
Team of researches at LPU, including Prof Jastin Samuel and B Tech students Deepak Deb, Anant Kumar Rajput, Manish Kotni, said: “Wearing a mask amid the ongoing pandemic is a must while going out in public places. However, it causes a lot of discomfort for people who have respiratory problems and for frontline workers who have to wear them for long hours. With better designed respirator ‘Oxigeno’, we are solving this challenge by making pure and more breathable air available through it.”
They claimed that respirator ‘Oxigeno’ can also filter out particles ranging from 10 to 0.44 micrometers with the help of four layers of filters. “These comprise of a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which keeps away dust particles, and activated carbon filter to remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odours. The other two layers are made of a nitrogen and sulphur oxide filter that stops harmful air pollutants, and PTFE filter for removing particles as small as 0.44 micrometer. The sequence of their arrangement and the design is meant for its efficiency. The additional algae cartridge further enriches the purified air with oxygen, which is especially helpful for those who are suffering from respiratory diseases like asthma, and feel suffocated and uneasy while wearing a mask,” they added.
“The respirator can also be reused by changing the algae cartridge and the filters. The algae cartridge has a life of around 40 hours of continuous use, or seven days. The filters should be replaced after 48 hours of use, or every month, whichever time limit comes first. The respirator consists of an inbuilt sensor that will alert the user once the cartridge is nearing its life. The material used in Oxigeno is an antimicrobial and biodegradable plastic called PLA-Active, which prevents the growth of bacteria and other contaminants on its surface,” they said while adding that wearing a mask for long hours causes rashes to sensitive skin, they have used a gentler silicon membrane to cover skin around the nose and mouth area by the respirator.