Design And Fabrication of Corn Cob And Stalk Filter

Introduction:

The design and fabrication of filtration systems in biomedical equipment play a crucial role in ensuring the removal of impurities, maintaining sterility, and safeguarding patient health. Traditional filtration materials, such as synthetic polymers and activated carbon, while effective, often present environmental and cost challenges. the demand for sustainable and cost-effective solutions grows, natural alternatives are becoming more attractive.

One such promising alternative is the use of corn cobs and stalks, agricultural by-products that are biodegradable, renewable, and widely available. Leveraging the natural porosity and absorbent properties of corn cobs, these materials can be engineered into filters for biomedical applications, such as air and water purification, as well as the removal of contaminants in medical devices.

This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a filter using corn cob and stalk material, aiming to create an efficient, eco-friendly filtration solution suitable for biomedical equipment. By integrating natural materials into biomedical technology, this work not only seeks to enhance performance but also aligns with the global shift towards more sustainable practices in healthcare.

Objectives:

• Develop a process for extracting and purifying corn cob fibers to create highly porous, biocompatible filters for blood, plasma, or other fluid filtration.

• Develop sterilization methods for corn cob filters that do not compromise their structure or biocompatibility.

• Investigate the potential of corn cob fibers for air filtration in medical settings, focusing on their ability to remove airborne particles like bacteria and viruses.

• Develop a process for processing corn stalks into porous, biodegradable scaffolds with controlled pore size and mechanical strength for tissue engineering applications.

• The potential of corn stalks for controlled drug delivery applications, investigating their ability to release specific medications at controlled rates.

Methodology for Corn Cob and Stalk Filter:

• Collection and Cleaning- collect the corn stalks, cob and clean it to Remove the contaminants.

• Crushing- crush the stalks into smaller pieces to enhance its ability.

• Drying-dry the corn stalks and cob to remove moisture.

• Chemical treatments- apply acid or alkaline treatments to trap contaminants.

• Activation- Heat the corn stalks in an oxygen-limited environment to absorb impurities from air or water.

• Formation of filter-Depending on the desired applications, process the corn stalk into a usable filter medium.

• Testing and application-Test the prepared filter and adjust the processing steps based on the results.

Flow Chart for Corn Cob and Stalk Filter:

Advantages

• Eco-friendly and Biodegradable

• Good Absorption Capacity

• Cost effective

• Renewable Resource

• Lightweight

Conclusion

The project will use for the filter in biomedical equipment in long term uses by these natural products. The natural products are Eco-friendly and more absorbing and filtering capacity. The corn cob and stalk used as a filter in medical equipment. It is organic, eco-friendly, bio- degradable and cheapest.

Author Bios

1. Dr.Sampath A, ASP/BME
2. Mr.Muthukumar T, ASP/BME
3. Kayalvizhy J, IV-BME
4. Nandhini S, IV-BME