Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

Germicidal coated fabric for protection from bacteria and viruses

Area of research :

COVID-19 Research, Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Focus area :

Protection from microorganisms

Principal Investigator :

Praveen Vemula, Associate Investigator, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bengaluru

Timeline Start Year :

2020

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

The aim of this project is to manufacture germicidal coated fabric for protection from bacteria and viruses. This can be stitched into a facemask and other personal protective equipment (PPE). The material carries a chemical - based on quaternary ammonium salt backbone - that deactivates viruses and bacteria. When coated on cellulose-based fabrics, the chemical is irreversibly linked to the cloth.

Outcome/Output:

Germicidal technology has shown a 99.99% kill rate (three log reduction) against a wide range of viruses, including COVID-19. Masks and PPE fabricated from this material are expected to provide protection by deactivation of microbes. Technology has been commercialised.

Organizations involved