Self-powered disinfection of Viruses and Bacteria in water using Oxidation-assisted electroporation and Tribo-Electric Nanogenerators (VIBO-TENG)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
This proposal will enable an experienced applicant to undertake world-leading research at the University of Bath, merging knowledge from materials, environmental science, microbiology, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, and system modeling. Worldwide, one in three people do not have reliable access to clean water. Disinfection is a key step to remove waterborne pathogens and ensure drinking safety. However, current water disinfection methods have drawbacks, such as harmful disinfection byproducts and intensive energy/chemical consumption. In addition, when there is a severe epidemic (e.g., COVID-19), existing disinfection methods need to meet a large increase in treatment load and may fail to provide safe drinking water. Nanowire-assisted electroporation is an effective microbial disinfection method that utilizes a strong local electric field that is enhanced by a nano-scale tip structure to damage the outer structure of microbes and has been developed by the applicant water disinfection. Since the application of electroporation disinfection is strongly reliant on an available power supply, the applicant will work with the UBAH host (Prof. Bowen) to develop the first self-powered water disinfection system using energy harvesting devices to drive a new oxidation-assisted electroporation disinfection mechanism. This project will transfer the applicant's knowledge to the EU host, in particular his experience in environmental biotechnology, electrochemistry, and nanotechnology. The applicant will gain new expertise in energy harvesting, device design, and system modeling for developing integrated self-powered disinfection devices. This fellowship will be a key step in the applicant's career development, by expanding his research and academic training. This will be facilitated by a focused training plan and establishment of new long-term collaborations across the EU by secondments, and links with other leading energy harvesting and water science institutes/industries.
| Description | We have developed a floating nylon capsule to meet the urgent challenge of disinfecting water just before it is consumed. The new knowledge it that the nylon capsule can generate static charges on its surface when in contact with water. When a conductive wire array with sharp tips is attached to the nylon capsule, the generated charges can accumulate at the tips, thereby creating a localised strong electric field. When bacteria and viruses in the water approach the strong electric field, they can be effectively inactivated by electroporation. Thus, this energy-free disinfection capsule is the key result of our community that can improve public health in resource-poor areas. Key new questions are if this can be scaled/produced to levels that have a societal basis and if other forms of motion can be used, such as using water or droplet flow. |
| Exploitation Route | We have engaged with a potential company and discussed with the UK SME potential considerations for commercialisation andideas for improvement. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
| Description | We have developed a disinfection capsule that can achieve complete microbial inactivation in a water bottle by simply placing the capsule in the bottle and shaking for 15 minutes. This device does not require any external electrical or chemical input and can therefore provide easy access to safe drinking water. The proposed disinfection capsule can make a significant contribution in rural communities or in regions affected by earthquakes and tsunamis. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2025 |
| Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | Collaboration funding application with University of Bristol |
| Organisation | University of Bristol |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I have developed a new collaboration with a postdoc researcher from University of Bristol by applying a novel funding. We developed a battery-free sensor for aquatic monitoring. I am the expert of the environmental engineering and can support the sensor deployment. Our system's easy deployment and low cost make it ideal for detecting pollution in hard-to-reach areas. |
| Collaborator Contribution | This innovative project originated from interdisciplinary collaboration between wireless communication and environmental engineering experts. I and my partners aim to revolutionise aquatic environmental monitoring by developing an intelligent, battery-free sensing and communication system. By integrating battery-free communication, bespoken biosensors for detecting aquatic viruses and bacteria, and AI-driven data analysis, we propose a sustainable solution for continuous water quality monitoring. This battery-free wireless sensing system provides an eco- friendly, cost-effective, and easily deployable solution for monitoring critical water environments. |
| Impact | We have finished the application process (GW4 Building Communities Generator Fund). The combined expertise from different universities fully covers the necessary knowledge and skills required to successfully execute and deliver this project. |
| Start Year | 2025 |
| Description | workshop with Silent Sensors |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Made a presentation of the on-going work with a company, Silent Sensors. Overall 4 people attended this presentation, which sparked questions and discussion afterwards. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |