IIT Ropar researchers develop two anti-microbial coatings for PPE Kits, hospitals

IIT Ropar has developed two noble synthetic materials that can be used for anti-microbial coating on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and as a disinfectant spray for tunnels and fogging purposes.

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has developed two noble synthetic materials that can be used for anti-microbial coating on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and as a disinfectant spray for tunnels and fogging purpose.

As per the researchers, these materials can be effective in curtailing the spread of microbes, especially in areas like hospitals and quarantine centers where chances are high.

At present, the material used is made of volatile organic compounds and has a pungent smell. However, the material which is used by the researchers at IIT Ropar is non-volatile, does not have a foul smell, and has very high anti-microbial properties.

While talking about the materials, IIT Ropar Director Sarita Das said that with relaxations in the lockdown it is going to be challenging to keep the public areas properly sanitized. The team of IIT professors Dr. Narinder Singh, Professor C Raman Suri, Professor Harpreet Singh, and Amanpreet Singh developed synthetic materials for anti-microbial coatings. These materials have a high shelf life on both metallic and non-metallic surfaces.

The two types of coatings, hydrophilic and hydrophobic, can be used on the basis of the area it has been applied. Hydrophilic materials are used for fogging and spraying on walls. Hydrophobic materials are used for coatings on PPE, hospitals and on furniture.

Earlier, a team of researchers at IIT Ropar has designed a doffing unit' to help frontline healthcare workers to remove their personal protective gear under sterile conditions.

Several IITs across the country have been coming up with new innovations to help the government in its fight against the coronavirus which has claimed thousands of life until now. 

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