Stabilized protein fiber air filter materials and methods
US11033844B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02C20/40
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Stabilized air filters formed from mats of crosslinked protein-containing fibers are provided. The fibers are formed into a mat with pores that allow air to pass through while physically filtering particulate matter. The protein in the protein-containing fibers also serves to chemically filter polluted air passed through the filter. Specifically, chemical functional groups from the many amino acids that comprise the protein of the protein-containing nanowire react with certain chemical pollutants (e.g., carbon monoxide and formaldehyde) in order to capture or otherwise neutralize the pollutant. Accordingly, the single fiber mat performs two filtering functions. Methods for making the air filters from crosslinked protein-containing nanofibers are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.