IIT Guwahati develops surface disinfectant to fight COVID-19

GUWAHATI

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in association with Berger Paints, has developed an alcohol-free disinfectant which can protect surfaces from bacteria, germs and COVID-like viruses for 24 hours and prevent its spread.

The multi-surface protector named “BreatheEasy Safe 24” can protect surfaces such as desks, car seats, door handles, keys, buttons, bags, etc from viruses, the institute claims.

The multi-surface protector was developed by Professor Biman B. Mandal from the department of biosciences and bioengineering and his research team at the institute.

The innovation is designed on the Advanced Nanosilver Technology and is specially-formulated alcohol-free and environment-friendly product.

Speaking about the technology, Professor Mandal said that the product can stay active for an extended period on the application surface and that its special formulation forms a protective nano-silver coating which fights bacteria and virus as validated by standard protocols.

“We feel that this product would make our everyday lives safer in these trying times and beyond,” he said.

With COVID-19 spreading to almost all corners of the country, the government has asked research institutions and corporate houses to merge ideas to form innovative solutions to help fight the pandemic.

“IIT Guwahati has been instrumental in designing several projects in helping society and the nation fight COVID-19. BreatheEasy Safe 24 is a true outcome of academia-industry collaboration led by IIT Guwahati,” IIT-Guwahati director, T. G. Sitharam, said.

The product needs to be sprayed on the surface from a distance of 20 to 25 cm for 30 seconds before wiping the surface.