Panasonic tests indicate nanoe™ X potential to inhibit certain pollen allergen proteins

Speaking during Chillventa 2026, Panasonic unveiled new laboratory findings that indicate the potential of its nanoe™ X technology, integrated into a wide range of Panasonic residential and commercial air-conditioning units, to inhibit certain allergenic proteins associated with pollen species commonly found across Europe under controlled test conditions.

The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr Lorenzo Cecchi, MD, a leading European allergy and clinical immunology specialist with expertise in pollen allergy. It examines indoor pollen exposure, the technology behind nanoe™ X and the resulting laboratory observations.

A growing pollen challenge across Europe

Pollen exposure is becoming an increasingly serious public health challenge in Europe. The European Climate and Health Observatory estimates that pollen allergy affects around 40%[1] of Europeans, while climate change is contributing to earlier and longer pollen seasons, higher pollen concentration and increased allergenicity. Together with air pollution, these trends can intensify allergic and respiratory conditions, affect quality of life and productivity, and place additional pressure on healthcare systems[2]. The challenge does not end outdoors, as pollen can enter buildings through open windows or carried inside on clothing and hair, contributing to continued indoor exposure.

Enrique Vilamitjana, Managing Director of Panasonic Heating & Cooling Europe, commented: “Improving indoor air quality remains a key focus of our research, with these findings representing another valuable step in understanding the potential of nanoe™ X technology to inhibit certain pollen allergens [3]. We will continue working with experts to strengthen the evidence and further explore how the technology can support improved indoor air quality and greater indoor comfort.” 

New findings for nanoe™ X across grass, tree and weed pollens

The tests bring together results for 12 pollen types relevant to Europe from grass, trees and weeds[4]:

Testing took place in a room-sized chamber of approximately 23 m³, using a Panasonic air-conditioning unit equipped with nanoe™ X technology with the pollen sample positioned outside the direct airflow. Researchers analysed the pollen allergenic proteins using gel electrophoresis, a technique that separates pollen proteins by molecular size so that they appear as visible bands.

Across the pollen types evaluated, laboratory analysis identified weaker bands associated with certain allergenic proteins following nanoe™ X exposure. The treated samples showed a faded band after 24 hours, while the untreated sample retained its band[5]. These protein-analysis observations indicate the potential of nanoe™ X technology to inhibit certain pollen allergens.

Dr Lorenzo Cecchi, MD, commented: “This is promising technology that could contribute to better indoor air quality. The tests demonstrated the potential of nanoe™ X technology to reduce the allergenicity of pollen remaining in the room. Further study will help to strengthen the evidence.”

Addressing pollen that reaches indoor spaces

Once indoors, pollen can remain suspended in the air or settle on soft furnishings such as curtains, sofas, rugs and bedding, creating a continuing source of exposure.

Panasonic’s nanoe™ X technology uses moisture naturally present in the air to generate hydroxyl radicals contained within nano-sized water particles. These particles disperse through the indoor environment and can reach pollen suspended in the air as well as pollen that has settled on fabrics and surfaces. When the hydroxyl radicals come into contact with pollen, they act on its associated proteins by altering their structure. Laboratory analysis indicates the potential of nanoe™ X technology to inhibit certain pollen allergenic proteins.

For the HVAC sector, the research is relevant to a broad range of residential and commercial applications. Panasonic integrates nanoe™ X technology across much of its room air-conditioning line-up, as well as selected commercial air-to-air indoor units and fan coils, providing consultants, installers, and building operators options for incorporating the technology into homes and a variety of occupied commercial spaces[6].

See link to more information about nanoe X technology.