Annamalai University professor secures Indian patent for seaweed-based water filtration membrane

An associate professor of Annamalai University has been granted an Indian patent titled ‘Preparation of nanoporous phyto-membrane from seaweeds for water ultrafiltration' that paves the way for affordable and environmentally sustainable filtration systems.

The research was carried out by M. Arumugam, Associate Professor of the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, with financial support from Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE).

Membrane-based separation technologies have emerged as one of the most energy-efficient, compact, and cost-effective methods for water purification. The nanoporous membrane is derived from marine seaweed for enhanced microfiltration of water.

“The patented membrane incorporates sodium alginate and phlorotannins, naturally occurring bioactive compounds, obtained from seaweed. These materials provide excellent biocompatibility and functional properties, enabling the membrane to effectively remove ions, organic contaminants, bacteria, viruses, and colloidal particles from water,” Mr. Arumugam said.