IIT-G makes affordable antimicrobial PPE coating

IIT Guwahati has developed economical antimicrobial (antiviral/antibacterial) spray-based coating for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 3D printed Ear Guard for comfortable use of face masks by healthcare workers. The innovations are the brainchilds of Dr. Biman B. Mandal, Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, along with his PhD scholars, Bibhas K. Bhunia and Ashutosh Bandyopadhyay.

Dr. Biman B. Mandal said, “Effective yet affordable technologies are need of the hour for India. We at IITG under the leadership of our Director, Prof. T.G. Sitharam, are committed to contribute to the nation’s immediate need at this hour of COVID-19 crisis.”

The spray has  several advantages like killing of microbes will allow reusability of masks and other PPEs. Therefore, there will be less burden will be on the manufactures for making millions of masks which are generally thrown away after single use.

The ergonomical design of the guard allows masks can be worn effortlessly for hours without pain or discomfort to the wearer. Using 3D printers, the ‘Ear Guards’ are being manufactured in a free size to fit all.