UPNA Researchers Develop Air Sterilization Technology
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spanish Researchers Develop Novel Air Sterilization Technology
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A collaborative team of scientists from teh Public University of Navarra (UPNA) and other leading research institutions in Spain have created a new technology capable of sterilizing air and eliminating viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The research, published in Advanced Science, offers a potential option to existing air purification methods like HEPA filters and UV radiation.
The Challenge of Air Purification
The effective elimination of viruses, bacteria, and other airborne pathogens is crucial in environments like hospitals, schools, offices, and public transportation.Current air purification systems, while helpful, have drawbacks. HEPA filters capture microorganisms but don’t eliminate them, requiring frequent maintenance. UV radiation and ionization systems can generate harmful byproducts, making them unsuitable for certain settings.
A New Approach: Ferromagnetic Materials
Researchers Josep Nogués (ICN2) and Borja Sepúlveda (IMB-CNM) spearheaded the development of this new strategy for controlling indoor air quality. The technology utilizes ferromagnetic materials – materials that exhibit strong magnetic properties – to trap and eliminate airborne pathogens. The specific composition and mechanism of action are detailed in the published research.
How the Technology Works
While the full details are proprietary, the core principle involves using a magnetic field to capture airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria, onto the ferromagnetic material.This effectively removes them from the air. The researchers claim this method avoids the drawbacks of existing technologies by both capturing *and* eliminating pathogens, and by avoiding the generation of harmful byproducts. Further research is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and scalability of the system.
The Research Team and Institutions
This project represents a significant collaborative effort. Key contributors include:
- alberto López Ortega & Eneko Garaio Urabayen: Professors, Department of Sciences, Public University of Navarra (UPNA) and researchers at INAMAT2.
- Josep Nogués: Leader of the magnetic nanostructures group, Institut Català de Nanociència Nanotechnology (ICN2).
- Borja Sepúlveda: IMB-CNM (Microelectrònica institut of Barcelona).
- Researchers from: IRSI Caixa and Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGPT), and the University of Barcelona.