In an attempt to make sanitisers stay on your hands longer, the Nano Science and Technology department of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has developed a sanitiser with nano absorbents.
How does this work, you may ask? Dr A Lakshmanan, Professor and Head, Department of Nano Science and Technology answers, "Following the World Health Organization's (WHO) formulation for a normal sanitiser, we manufactured this. The additional compound included are a few nano absorbent particles. This helps in the slow release of the active ingredients, which is predominantly alcohol, into your hands." Alcohol is the major disinfectant in sanitisers and hence, "when it is released slowly, your hands stay germs-free for about 25 minutes, whereas a normal sanitiser evaporates within half a minute," he points out.
Discussing the effectiveness, Lakshmanan explains, "The nano absorbent forms a thin layer which we call a 'bio-glove'. This protects your hands from germs. Even if you touch an infected surface, the germs will get killed on contact with your sanitised hands." He adds, "Also, as per the feedback received from samples so far, there has been no irritation or uneasiness caused." The nano absorbents used are derived from natural sources and hence can be used for external application and is non-toxic, he assures.
The team of research scholars headed by Lakshmanan, started working on the project immediately post the Coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. "We started working on this nano absorbent in July 2019. But, we started working on it seriously after the outbreak," he shares. The team is ready to apply for a patent and are about to work with the National Institute of Virology. "The premier institute has agreed to test our product," he confirms.
