Functional nanomaterials from cotton for odor reduction and pathogen removal
Polyamine-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from renewable cotton that adsorb malodorous VOCs from air, remove pesticides and PFOS from water, capture dissolved metals from oils/fats, and exhibit antimicrobial properties against bacteria. Scalable to 0.5 kg CNC and 100 g modified material batches.
Overview
This solution leverages polyamine-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) derived from renewable cotton to address multiple contaminant challenges across air, water, and oil systems. The nanomaterials adsorb a broad range of malodorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), remove pesticide and PFOS contaminants from water, reduce dissolved metals in oils and rendered fats, and demonstrate preliminary antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as some eukaryotic pathogens. Because the base material originates from cotton, the technology offers a renewable, sustainable alternative to conventional adsorbents such as activated carbon.
Potential applications include integration into HEPA filtration systems for indoor air quality, water treatment for agricultural and industrial runoff, purification of edible oils and rendered fats, and antimicrobial coatings or filters for healthcare, food processing, and consumer products.
Technical specifications
Core technology:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) produced from bulk cotton at scales up to 0.5 kg
- Surface functionalized with polyamine groups at scales up to 100 g
- Renewable, cotton-derived feedstock
Validated performance:
- Adsorption of malodorous VOCs bearing a variety of functional groups
- Removal of pesticides and PFOS compounds from water
- Reduction of dissolved metals from oils and rendered fats
- Growth inhibition of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in liquid culture
Planned enhancements:
- Incorporation into or alongside HEPA filters for air purification
- Aerosol-based antimicrobial assays to extend pathogen capture testing beyond liquid culture
- Benchmarking against activated carbon to quantify competitive performance
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. CNC production and polyamine surface modification have been demonstrated at meaningful laboratory scales (0.5 kg and 100 g, respectively). Proof-of-concept data exist for VOC adsorption, water contaminant removal, metal reduction in oils/fats, and liquid-culture antimicrobial activity. Future validation will extend testing to HEPA-integrated air filtration, aerosol-phase pathogen capture, and head-to-head benchmarking against activated carbon. The technology is ready for sponsored research, co-development, and pilot engagements to advance toward commercial integration.
About Clemson University
Clemson University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Upstate South Carolina with a main campus and statewide outreach. Industry engages through co‑located facilities: an automotive innovation campus in Greenville, an energy testing complex in Charleston, and a research and technology park near the main campus with labs and offices. A strong co‑op program and corporate engagement team connect companies with faculty expertise and student talent, while the Extension network supports field trials and regional pilots. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DOD. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP, licensing, and startup support with clear pathways for industry‑sponsored agreements.
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