Biofiltration Inspiration for Innovations
October 21, 2025, Tuesday
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM ET, USA
$USD 350
$USD 175 (Member Only )
Course Objective
This course explores the principles and applications of biofiltration as a natural and sustainable approach to filtration. Drawing inspiration from biological systems found in nature and the human body—such as aquatic ecosystems, and human organs like the kidney and liver—the course aims to foster innovation in engineered filtration technologies. Participants will gain insight into how biofiltration functions across various natural systems and how these mechanisms can inspire the development of advanced materials, smart systems, and sustainable filtration solutions. Applications discussed will include air and water purification, VOC and odor removal, and medical and industrial uses. The session will conclude with a panel discussion on emerging bio-inspired innovations, cross-disciplinary opportunities, and future trends in biofiltration and biomimicry.
Course Outline
1️⃣ Introduction to Biofiltration
Filtration in nature and the human body
Relevance to medical technology
2️⃣ Human Body as a Filtration System
Kidney: glomerular filtration and selective permeability
Liver: detoxification and metabolic filtration
Lung: particle filtration, gas exchange, mucociliary clearance
Blood-brain barrier: selective protection of the brain
3️⃣ Medical Applications Inspired by Biology
Hemodialysis and artificial kidney devices
Blood purification and extracorporeal therapies
Artificial lungs and respiratory support systems
Filtration for infection control (air, liquids, blood)
4️⃣ Bio-Inspired Material & System Design
Mimicking biological membranes and self-regenerating systems
Biocompatibility and durability challenges
5️⃣ Future Trends & Panel Discussion
Translational opportunities
Cross-disciplinary innovation: medicine, materials science, and engineering
Instructor Biography
Dr. Stephanie Taylor, MD, M Arch
Instructor
Dr. Stephanie Taylor, MD, M Arch, is a physician-architect and Harvard Medical School InciteHealth Fellow whose career bridges medicine, architecture, and environmental health. After receiving her MD from Harvard Medical School, she practiced clinical medicine and conducted research in cellular growth mechanisms for several decades. Driven by growing concerns about hospital-acquired infections and the role of indoor environments in patient outcomes, she pursued a Master’s Degree in Architecture to better understand building design and operations. Combining her medical and architectural expertise, Dr. Taylor developed advanced sensor platforms and analytical tools to assess the impact of indoor air quality on occupant health, enabling building systems to optimize both efficiency and health outcomes. She currently serves as Medical Advisor for ThinkLite Air and leads Taylor Healthcare Consulting and Building4Health. An ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer and active committee member, she also advises the US Green Building Council, contributes regularly to Engineered Systems, and has authored numerous scientific, medical, and engineering publications.
Dr. Christine Sun
Panelist, USA
Dr. Sun, President of the World Filtration Institute, is a globally renowned technical and market expert in the filtration and nonwovens industry. With over 30 years of experience in academia and industry, she has in-depth knowledge of filtration and extensive hands-on expertise in product and business development, with over 100 technical publications and patents in the field. She is also actively involved in the development of many air and liquid filter test standards, such as ASHRAE and ISO. Dr. Sun worked for Freudenberg Filtration Technologies from 2004 to 2011 as an R&D manager and then served as Technology Director for Donaldson Company from 2011 to 2013. She was the Chair of the American Filtration and Separation Society (AFS) from 2016 to 2017 and has received the AFS Fellow Award in 2019, the Sr. Scientist Award in 2012, and the best paper awards from INDA (Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry) in 2008. She is also an editorial board member for the Journal of Industrial Textiles. Dr. Sun received her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, and her Executive Certificate from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, USA.
Dr. John McKeon
Panelist
Dr. John McKeon is a distinguished medical entrepreneur and innovator in indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions. After earning his medical degree from Trinity College Dublin in 1996, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and holds United States Medical Licensing credentials. Transitioning from clinical practice as an Emergency Room Doctor, he founded and now leads the Indoor Air Innovation & Research (iAIR) Institute, advancing scientific research and innovative IAQ solutions. Dr. McKeon has developed extensive international intellectual property portfolios and led complex licensing negotiations with multinational corporations. Recognizing the need for proactive solutions to indoor air pollution, he bridges healthcare, construction, and design disciplines to create holistic strategies for healthier indoor environments. His expertise in intellectual property development, healthcare entrepreneurship, and strategic collaboration supports WFI’s mission to promote clean, healthy air for all.
Panelists
Dr. Iyad Al-Attar, Strategic Director of the World Filtration Institute, is a mechanical engineer and independent air filtration consultant specializing in high-efficiency filters for HVAC and land-based gas turbine applications. He is also a Visiting Academic Fellow at Cranfield University’s School of Aerospace, Transport, and Manufacturing, focusing on air quality and filter performance for gas turbines. In 2020, EUROVENT Middle East appointed him as its first associated consultant for air filtration affairs. Dr. Al-Attar holds engineering degrees from the University of Toronto (BSc), Kuwait University (MSc), and Loughborough University (PhD). His expertise centers on the chemical and physical characterization of airborne particles and advanced filter design. He contributes regularly to EUROVENT Middle East, Climate Control Middle East, ES Engineering (USA), and Caloryfrio (Spain), with many articles translated into Arabic and Spanish. Dr. Al-Attar also serves on the editorial boards of the Filtration Society (UK) and the Journal of Cleaner Production.
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Peters is an internationally recognized expert in membrane technology and environmental engineering, with over 40 years of experience in pressure-driven membrane processes for water, process fluids, and wastewater treatment. His pioneering work includes the application of reverse osmosis for seawater desalination, landfill leachate purification, and water reuse across various sectors. Dr. Peters earned his Ph.D. in 1980 from the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg with a dissertation on producing drinking water from seawater using reverse osmosis. After holding senior management positions in both mid-sized and multinational companies, he has served as an independent technology consultant since 1986. Dr. Peters has authored over 100 publications, delivered more than 50 presentations, and co-edited a landfill compendium. His outstanding contributions have been recognized with the Stanley Gray Award - Marine Technology 2000/2001 (IMarEST, London) and the ATCP Award 2007 (Concepción, Chile).