Fish-inspired filter traps 80% of microplastics in washing machines - Interesting Engineering

Filter feeding fish - have a 'gill raker system' in their mouths that filters small particles

The European Research Council (ERC) has awarded Prof. Dr. Alexander Blanke from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology at the University of Bonn a Proof of Concept Grant (PoC) amounting to 150,000 euros.

The grant, designed to facilitate the transition of research ideas into commercial applications, spans a maximum of 18 months. Prof. Blanke's project, "Development of a biomimetic prototype to reduce microplastics emissions" (SuspensionFlow), focuses on creating an innovative microplastic filter for washing machines and other applications.

Microplastics, detrimental to the environment and organisms, pose a significant challenge. Prof. Blanke highlights the impact of washing machines as a notable contributor to microplastic emissions, as existing systems fail to filter them effectively. The SuspensionFlow project aims to reduce microplastic emissions from washing machines by 80 percent.

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