Research into advanced nanostructures for applications in the food industry and water purification

The project "Research of advanced nanostructures for applications in the field of food industry and water purification" is focused on the research and development of innovative nanofibrous structures and filter materials derived from them for applications in the field of filtration of food media and cleaning of contaminated wastewater and pool water.

The goal of the project is:

- Research, development and optimization of an innovative pilot-scale device that will enable the effective elimination of persistent, high-risk pesticide substances from waters. The effective elimination of pesticides will be based on the intensification of their contact with specific microbial consortia exhibiting increased capacity of biodegradation. For this purpose, the first device will be equipped with membranes based on hollow fibers, which will serve as a distributor of purified water. Hollow fibers will also be used as a support for biofilm structures formed by specific microbial consortia. The second device will use the latest findings from the field of nanomaterials research, specifically nanofibers prepared by spinning in an alternating electric field. Thanks to the use of nanofibers, increased contact of purified water/pesticides and specific biomass will be ensured.

- The technology of a fully autonomous semi-operational filter device for the filtration of food media, especially wine, which will use, within this project, the developed filters based on nanofibers prepared through spinning in an alternating electric field (AC electrospinning) for filtration.

- Research and development of the device that will enable folding of the developed flat AC nanofibrous membrane into a filter candle.

- Development and optimizing of a modular device for the ultrafiltration of pool water using coiled candle prefilters and filters with nanofibrous structures. To achieve effective separation of the present microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast, algae) and undissolved substances from the filtered pool water with the use of these filters. To demonstrate the functionality of the developed flat nanofibrous membrane and coiled candle filters with nanofibrous structures in the retention of unwanted substances and residues from filtered pool water and thereby achieve a reduction in the consumption of currently used disinfectants.