Bengaluru-based startup develops air purifier that can 'catch and kill' coronavirus

In a bid to combat COVID-19 outbreaks, a Bengaluru-based startup has developed 'Nano Corona Air Purifier Cum Sterilizer', which is said to trap the novel coronavirus and neutralise it instantly. The product developed with the motto of 'Breathe corona free clean air' by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) incubated-Nutan Labs uses metal nanoparticles coated reusable membranes and liquid nanofluids.

Bengaluru: Amid surge in coronavirus cases in Bengaluru, a city-based startup has developed 'Nano Corona Air Purifier Cum Sterilizer', which is said to trap the novel coronavirus and neutralise it instantly, an invention that may reduce the spread of COVID-19 in closed spaces such as schools, hospitals and health care facilities, as well as public transit environments like airplanes.

The product developed with the motto of 'breathe corona free clean air' by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) incubated-Nutan Labs uses metal nanoparticles coated reusable membranes and liquid nanofluids.

Bengaluru-based startup develops air purifier that can catch and kill coronavirus

The startup, which was started in the year 2019 has recently been honoured with 'Elevate Call 2 award' for its efforts to keep the environment clean by the Karnataka government.

Launching the product, state Chief minister B. S. Yeddyurappa, said, "These kinds of innovative technologies will be useful and these kinds of products revolutionize to help combat and fight against corona, we wish Nutan Labs for its Endeavour."

"To combat COVID-19 outbreaks, we have developed an innovative instrument named Nano Corona Air Purifiers Cum Sterilizers which has metal nanoparticle coated membranes and nanofluid for arresting and killing of the viruses including COVID 19, " said H.S. Nuthan, Founder and CEO - of Nutan labs.

With a shelf life of up to one year, the device purifies, sterilises, and recirculates the clean air in a rapid way without using much energy.

Explaining the working of the device, Nuthan said, "In the first stage of Nanofiltration, we have coated noble metal Nanoparticles of 10 to 20-nanometre size on sandwiched membranes or non-woven fibres, when viruses, bacteria, others microbes, gaseous and other polluting substances come in contact with the filters. Nanoparticles eliminate virus by disrupting the outer coating and also damaging the genetic material. (Size approximately 30 to 140 nanometre) and ruptures it."

Apart from being economical, eco-friendly and compact, the device kills up to 99.9% viruses from indoor as well as outdoor air and is more efficient compared to recent units developed in India and abroad which can clean considerably lesser CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air and lesser CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate).

"Unique Selling Proposition of our indoor and outdoor air purification system is the utilization of nanotechnology-based membrane for both elimination and neutralisation of noxious gases and pathogens like viruses (Corona group of viruses). Also, for the first time, we are using nanomaterial in liquid form for absorption of pollutant gases and pathogens like viruses," he added.

With unique motorised suction design, the device allows a large volume of air current to flow through it, hence purifying air from a larger area.