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20. October 2025
Revolutionary Water Purifier Unveiled: Simple Device Can Kill 99 Of Pathogens In Remote Areas
Researchers from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have developed a hand-powered device that can disinfect water with nanoparticles, providing a reliable and efficient solution for communities without access to electricity or traditional water treatment systems. The innovative technology uses spherical silica nanoparticles coated with amine group chemicals and gold nanoparticles to create reactive oxygen species that kill pathogens.
The idea for this device was born out of the team’s frustration with existing point-of-use water treatment options, which often require electricity or strong sunlight to function effectively. Dr. Xu Deng, lead researcher on the project, explains that most point-of-use options either need electricity or strong sunlight, and they’re slow. The team’s goal was to create a device that could completely disinfect water with just a minute of easy, manual stirring.
The device is based on a simple jar with a cranked handle filled with a small dose of engineered silica nanoparticles coated with amine group chemicals. When the user turns the handle, the motion creates gentle shear in the water, which “wakes up” the nanoparticles and triggers the formation of reactive oxygen species. These oxidizing chemicals punch holes in microbial membranes, effectively killing pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The team tested the device on 16 highly transmissible pathogens that pose a serious public health risk, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Vibrio cholerae. The results were astonishing: with just 15 seconds of stirring the water at 50°C, the device achieved a staggering 99.9999 percent reduction in E. coli. Similarly, the same reduction in Vibrio cholerae was achieved within 1 minute. Moreover, the device inactivated more than 95 percent of all the tested microorganisms.
The use of nanoparticles is also noteworthy. “We’re not talking about using billions of dollars’ worth of materials,” says Dr. Deng. “The amount of gold nanoparticles used is so small that their cost is insignificant compared to the silica powder and plastic housing.” The device’s simplicity and manual operation make it an attractive option for areas without electricity or traditional water treatment systems.
Experts in the field are hailing the discovery as a major breakthrough. Chiara Neto, an Australian researcher at the University of Sydney, says she’s “extremely impressed” with the science behind the device. While there are still several challenges to overcome before this technology can be widely adopted, the potential benefits are clear.
For communities in remote areas or disaster zones where access to clean drinking water is limited, this device could provide a lifeline to public health and well-being. The impact of this discovery extends far beyond the laboratory or field testing, with significant economic and social benefits. Communities can rely on a simple device that requires minimal maintenance and upkeep, making it an attractive option for areas with limited resources.
The development of this technology is also notable for its alignment with global goals and initiatives aimed at improving access to clean drinking water. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030. This device has the potential to play a significant role in achieving this goal, particularly for communities that lack access to traditional water treatment systems.
The discovery of a hand-powered device that can disinfect water with nanoparticles is a groundbreaking innovation with significant implications for global public health and sustainable development. By harnessing the power of simple technology and innovative materials like nanoparticles, researchers have created a solution that could provide clean drinking water to millions of people around the world.