IIT Delhi scientists develop cheapest respiratory filter

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi developed cheapest respiratory filter, named ‘Nasofilters’.

The filter, which is ready for commercialisation, restricts entry of up to 95 per cent dust and air pollutants. It is the cheapest naso filter available in comparison to the face masks and other alternatives available in the market to fight critical levels of air pollution.

The product will soon be available in Indian and global markets under the brand name Nasofilters by Nanoclean Global Pvt Ltd, a company formed by the innovators.

The team of innovators was recently awarded with the National Startups Award by President Pranab Mukherjee.

The team included IIT Delhi faculty members Manjeet Jassal and Ashwini K Agrawal, besides institute alumni Sanjeev Jain, Prateek Sharma, Tushar Vyas and a student Jatin Kewlani.

Key highlights of Nasofilters

• The device Nasofilters is a nano-respiratory filter.

• It comes at a cost of Rs. 10.

• It gives protection against the finest particulate pollutants in the air for at least eight hours. Therefore, the device is quite effective at reducing the risk of respiratory diseases.

• The filters aim to provide relief to common users from air pollution and to protect people, who are prone to allergies. It also safeguards those who are exposed to job related industrial particulate pollutants.

• The filter can stick to the user’s nasal orifice and would restrict entry of foreign particulate matter including PM 2.5 particles, bacteria and pollen allergens.

How the device was made?

The project to develop the filter involved assembling millions of small-sized pores to create a thin flexible membrane. The membrane could capture very small particles with high efficiency. It allows filters to be used for long hours while maintaining good breathability and comfort.