Daikin Industries Ltd., a Japanese leading manufacturer of air conditioning systems, has successfully videotaped a scene in which an air filter containing photo-catalytic titanium apatite, a new nano-technology material, catches and absorbs viruses. The videotaping took place in the course of collaborative research with Medical school of Yamagata University.

This is the first time such action has been videotaped, while Daikin is also the first in the world to commercialize this type of filter. The filter has about 2.5 times higher absorption capacity than conventional photo-catalytic filters. A public research institution demonstrated in July 2003 that the newly developed filter can inactivate and break down more than 99.9 percent of viruses, bacteria and enterotoxins.

Further, in collaboration with Wakayama Medical University, the company has proved that the main component of the filter can absorb and inactivate more than 99.6 percent of mites and pollen allergens. The team has also succeeded in videotaping the scene of how it decomposes pollen. These results show that the filter can decompose pollen and render pollen allergens harmless before they reach moist membranes on the face such as in the nose and eyes, where normally the pollen would burst and scatter allergens.

The photo-catalytic titanium apatite filter has been installed in Daikin's air purifier, namely "Hikari-Cleare," which was released in August 2003. The company also plans to use the filter in its new energy-saving room air conditioners.



Posted: 2004/03/18 03:50:15 PM
Japanese version

TAG Chemicals , Eco-product/Business , Manufacturing industry , Technology , University/Research institute