Donaldson Finds Unusual Market for Industrial Air Filter

Biological cells like Donaldson's synthetic filters

An article published in the June 12 th , Minneapolis Star-Tribune outlined how Michigan State University molecular biologist Melvin Schindler, discovered that the tiny fibers in Donaldson's synthetic filters looked just like the natural collagen surface on which animal cells grow. When Schindler placed a few human breast cells on the tiny fibers they grew perfectly.

At least five more years of research are needed before anyone expects that the results can be applied to humans. Donaldson's synthetic filter fibers are now being studied around the world. The Mayo Clinic, National Institutes of Health and 800 university labs have be using filter samples for their own cell experiments.

Donaldson spokesman Rich Sheffer said, "It's just a coincidence that the fine fibers do mimic the cellular matrix."

Donalson created the product to go into air filter systems it makes for Mack trucks, bulldozers, farm equipment, and factories. The filters were created to trap tiny pollutants, but Donaldson's designers unknowingly created a replica of the "cell matrix" found in animals.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune Article

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