There are many causes of lung problems; from genetics and disease, to smoking, to even job-related incidents to miners, astronauts, or divers. Advancements in medical treatments usually begin as an early idea that leads to later benefits. A current example is a technology that is being developed that can generate oxygen similar to photosynthesis, the way plants generate energy from light, and has been patented by a company named Battelle in Ohio.

This technology, called Photolytically Driven Electrochemistry Platform Technology, works by creating a photochemical reaction that removes protons and electrons from water to produce oxygen. The removed protons and electrons can then be used to trap carbon dioxide. Operating on any light source, this machine duplicates the photosynthesis process and is able to add oxygen while taking out the excess carbon dioxide from its source.

This being a new invention, the patent of which was granted just this year, scientists from Battelle are still working out how it could be used. It is speculated that eventually it could lead to the design of devices that function as lungs, and that could be implanted into the chest. This could benefit a lot of people and save the lives of those suffering from critical lung diseases.

In the near term, it is deemed likely that products based on this new technology can be used in confined spaces with little oxygen and where carbon dioxide builds up quickly, such as in mines or on the space shuttle. In space, there is plenty of sunlight for such a machine to get what it needs for this reaction. This could also lead to oxygen production without the need for a heavy tank and even devices that could be used to assist with lung surgery.

The potential of this new technology, despite its recent innovation, has already had numerous future uses identified in a very clear and promising way. Artificial lungs are seen as being a possibility, despite the fact they could be years off, because there is enough water in blood for this kind of machine to make oxygen out of. Further detail would be fascinating on that, and the visionary optimism that has been associated with the machine so far is fascinating in itself. The press release alone based on the announcement is appearing many places online, and the anticipation seems to be quite high to learn of near-term innovations that arise from this promising technological breakthrough.