MIT Engineers Develop Manta Ray-Inspired Water Filter Design

Researchers create a blueprint for industrial filtration systems based on the unique feeding and breathing mechanisms of mobula rays.

MIT engineers studied the filter-feeding mechanism of mobula rays, a family of aquatic rays that includes manta and devil rays, to inspire advancements in water filtration technology.
Mobula rays use comb-like plates in their mouths to create vortices that trap food particles while allowing water to flow through and support breathing.
The research team replicated this mechanism with a 3D-printed filter design, demonstrating how vortices can block particles while maintaining water flow.
The study offers practical guidelines for optimizing industrial cross-flow filters by balancing permeability and selectivity, inspired by the mobula ray's natural efficiency.
This work, supported by the National Institutes of Health, provides a foundation for improving water treatment systems and other filtration applications.