LSU Assists Innovators Working to Help Medical Professionals (and Astronauts) Breathe Easier

OrganicNANO, a small business from Ruston, Louisiana is developing a 3D-printed mask with enhanced filtration capabilities that may improve personal protective equipment for healthcare workers battling today’s pandemic as well as astronauts on mission to the Moon and Mars. The patented filtration unit blocks pathogens larger than 50 nanometers and utilizes metal ions and drugs to enhance its antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It was developed by a faculty member at Louisiana Tech University who turned to LSU and the Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO) for support. Together, they secured a Department of Defense Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase 1 award through the Air Force innovation program AFWERX. Following organicNANO’s win at NASA iTech’s “Ignite the Night” virtual pitch event recently, the technology will now be evaluated by NASA.

OrganicNANO's 3D-printed mask holds a patented filtration unit that blocks pathogens larger than 50 nanometers and utilizes metal ions and drugs to enhance its antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.

– OrganicNANO

“Starting a company as a faculty member at Louisiana Tech was not without hurdles. Connecting with the [LSU] LTTO expanded my horizonbeyond north-central Louisiana. They helped me get small business funding, connected me with federal labs, the Department of Defense, and NASA. Most importantly, they helped get the word out, nationally, that we’re doing some pretty cool things down here in Louisiana.”

David Mills, professor of biological sciences at Louisiana Tech University and owner of organicNANO