Students develop algae-based respirator that can help people breathe easy

As many find it difficult to breathe in normal masks, researchers have developed a multipurpose algae-based respirator which 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

A team of researchers at Lovely Professional University (LPU) have developed ‘Oxigeno’, a first of its kind multipurpose algae-based respirator

The algae in the respirator conduct photosynthesis and remove carbon dioxide (C02) and other air pollutants while producing oxygen, making the air passing through it more breathable

Jastin Samuel, professor at LPU, said “Wearing a mask amid the ongoing pandemic is a must while going out in public places, but 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 Oxigeno, we are solving this challenge by making a respirator that offers pure and more breathable air as well as a much better design”

Oxigeno can filter out particles ranging from 10 to 0.44 micrometres with the help of four layers of filters.These comprise of a HEPA filter, which keeps away dust particles, and activated carbon filter to remove VOCs and odours.