Pune based Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) scientists have developed a nano-technology based disinfectant spray to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The formulation has been named Ananya.
Ananya disinfectant spray is effective in disinfecting all types of surfaces.
The spray can be used on masks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), hospital linens, and other likely contaminated surfaces like medical instruments, elevator buttons, doorknobs, corridors, and rooms.
The material is developed by synthesizing silver nanoparticles and a commercially available drug, Ampicillin.
Ananya has been tested by the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Infrared Spectroscopy methods.
The silver nano-particles has the ability to neutralize the outer protein and can rupture the membrane of the virus, thereby making it ineffective.
The water-based spray will be effective for more than 24 hours.
The spray adheres very effectively to fabric, plastic and metallic objects, and its toxicity to humans is negligible.