(Auburn, Washington) — A water purification
technology developed by an Auburn University researcher has spurred
the formation of a new company focused entirely on its commercial
development as compact filtration systems.
The new corporation, Seattle-based HaloSource, takes its name
from the science behind the research. The company was formed
by a group of investors interested in commercializing a bacteria-killing
method developed by AUBURN UNIVERSITY chemistry professor Davis
(S.D.) Worley, said Jan Thornton, director of Auburn's Industrial
Programs and Technology Transfer program.
"This is the first time that a patentable Auburn-developed
technology has resulted in the formation of a brand new company
with the sole purpose of marketing it," Thornton said.
Unlike existing water filtration that simply blocks out organisms,
the Auburn technology kills harmful bacteria without introducing
chemicals into the water, Worley explained.
"For the past 20 years we've been developing new soluble
compounds which kill bacteria and other organisms in water," he
said. "This (new technology) is a biocidal compound that
is not soluble in water . . . which still kills the organisms
. . . but does not put anything toxic into the water."
A bacteria-killing filter is created by treating a polystyrene
material — such as styrofoam or other plastic-based substance
-- with chlorine or bromine, Worley said.
"Through a series of chemical reactions on that polymer, it becomes biocidal
- that is, it kills bacteria," he said. "The polymer is totally insoluble
in water, so it can be packed into a column."
The column becomes the filter container through which bacteria-infested
water can be pumped.
"The organisms are killed by oxidation without any chemicals being leached
into the water," Worley added.
Worley envisions the technology being used mostly in small,
highly portable filtering applications.
"In my opinion, we have the ideal biocidal water filter
for potable water in the home, wells, remote camping and backpacking
applications, in the military, or in swimming pools and hot tubs," Worley
said.
"This is the first class of novel anti-microbial compounds
to be developed in the last couple of decades," said Jeff
Williams, a microbiologist at Michigan State University, who
will become technical director for HaloSource. "It has a
wide range of potential applications from water treatment, to
pipe and hard surface coatings, to medicine. The scope of what
is possible with this technology is extremely broad."
Worley said research also is underway to use technology in sterile
fabrics and an air filtration.
