New Hand Sanitizer By IHBT scientists
Amidst reports of preventive measures against coronavirus and several counterfeit materials being sold in the market, the demand for products such as sanitizer is increasing day by day. Scientists at the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) based in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh have developed a new hand sanitizer in view of this.
The Director of IHBT, Dr. Sanjay Kumar stated that “This hand sanitizer contains natural flavors, active tea constituents, and alcohol content, and all its contents are according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The product’s special features include it is free from chemicals such as triclosan, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and parabens.”
It is to be noted that all the hand sanitizers available in the market right now are not effective against microbes and viruses as it is necessary for the sanitizer to contain 60% and 95% alcohol, usually n-propanol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol-based sanitizers are found effective in killing many types of viruses and bacteria as alcohol is known to be able to kill most of the germs.
For the commercial production of this newly developed hand sanitizer, the technology has been transferred to M/s A.B. Scientific Solutions
, Palampur based company. The company and the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) have signed an agreement in this regard.A facility in Palampur will be established for the commercial production of the hand sanitizer by the company, which has a strong nationwide marketing network of its own. In all major cities across the country, these hand sanitizers and other disinfectants will be marketed by the company.
The arbitrary prices of sanitizers are being changed due to the sudden increase in demand for sanitizers in the market. This hand sanitizer has been developed at an appropriate time given the current increase in demand for the right product, said Dr. Sanjay Kumar.
