Research Initiatives : Projects list


  1. Testing kit
    Project Title : RT-PCR kit
    Expected Outcome : This kit will be used to purify and convert it to Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA; which can confirm the presence or absence of the virus.
    Remarks : Large scale production of the kits has started and it will be delivered to test centers across the state. The quality of the are comparable to the best in the world. These kits have been developed at IIT Guwahati jointly with RR Animal Healthcare Ltd. with inputs from GMCH Got. of Assam. Due to the huge demand for these kits and the high price associated with their timely procurement, the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam had approached IIT Guwahati for their development and procurement. The requested kits were already under development stage.
    PI Details : Prof. Parameswar Krishnan Iyer, Prof Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh, pki@iitg.ac.in, sghosh@iitg.ac.in

  2. Testing kit
    Project Title : RNA isolation kits
    Expected Outcome : This kit can be used to isolate Ribonucleic acid, or RNA, from the virus.
    Remarks : Large scale production of the kits has started and it will be delivered to test centers across the state. The quality of the are comparable to the best in the world. These kits have been developed at IIT Guwahati jointly with RR Animal Healthcare Ltd. with inputs from GMCH Got. of Assam. Due to the huge demand for these kits and the high price associated with their timely procurement, the National Health Mission (NHM), Assam had approached IIT Guwahati for their development and procurement. The requested kits were already under development stage.
    PI Details : Prof. Parameswar Krishnan Iyer, Prof Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh, pki@iitg.ac.in, sghosh@iitg.ac.in

  3. Testing kit
    Project Title : Viral Transport Media (VTM) kit
    Expected Outcome : The viral transport media or VTM kits are the first stop source used to collect the nasal and oral swab specimens from the individual source to the laboratory safely for culture and testing. During this period the virus, if present, in the sample specimens should remain intact until the testing procedure is completed. It consists of a comprehensive solution specially formulated for the collection and transport of SARS-CoV-2. These kits comprise of a CDC recommended and validated transport medium and one each Nasopharyngeal and Oropharyngeal specimen collection swabs. The complete package is suitable for the collection, transport, maintenance, and long-term freezer storage of viral specimens. The unique formulation of the transport medium helps in preserving the viability of viruses for up to 72 hours (at refrigerated temperatures). The swabs have been designed ergonomically with a pre-moulded breakpoint on their shaft for enabling secure sampling. These sterile “SPILD” VTM kits comply with the CDC recommended configurations for viral specimen collection for COVID-19 and are packed in user-friendly individual packs.
    Remarks : Affordable and sterile Viral Transport Media (VTM) kit have been developed jointly with RR Animal Healthcare Ltd. with inputs from GMCH, Govt. of Assam. Around 950 kits are delivered which was launched on 17/06/2020 by the Minister of Finance, Health and Family Welfare, Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma.
    PI Details : Prof. Parameswar Krishnan Iyer, Prof Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh, pki@iitg.ac.in, sghosh@iitg.ac.in

  4. Data Analytics, AI to model epidemic patterns and disease dynamics
    Project Title : A team of faculty from the department of mechanical Engineering started to explore the use of shallow and deep learning technique to model the epidemic pattern and disease dynamics. These studies mainly focus on developing new techniques, which can give better efficiency and accuracy of its prediction using the datasets. However, an AI tool comprising of such techniques for diagnosis from the dataset is not available in the literature. The proposed AI tool will predict epidemic pattern of the disease.
    Expected Outcome : AI model to predict epidemic pattern of a disease
    Expected Timeline : 1 years
    PI Details : Prof. Deepak Sharma , 7896002571 , deepak@iitg.ac.in

  5. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Ventilator
    Expected Outcome : Ventilator
    Expected Timeline : One month
    PI Details : Prof. S. Kanagaraj and Dr.Nelson Muthu , 9957469518, 9820723410 , kanagaraj@iitg.ac.in, nelsonm@iitg.ac.in

  6. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Hospital beds
    Expected Outcome : Hospital beds
    Expected Timeline : 2 weeks
    Remarks : A team from design department has also shown interest to work on making bed using bamboo who are capable to make 500 beds per day. Based on the initial design, a prototype model bed has been made and it is awaiting approval from concerned authorities to make it in bulk quantity.
    PI Details : Prof. R. Ganesh Narayan , 9954604304 , ganu@iitg.ac.in

  7. Sanitization
    Project Title : 3 Layer fabric mask
    Expected Outcome : Mask
    Expected Timeline : 2-3 weeks
    PI Details : Dr. Sajan Kapil , 8451823572 , sajan.kapil@iitg.ac.in

  8. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Shower for disinfection
    Expected Outcome : Disinfectant shower
    Expected Timeline : 3-4 weeks
    PI Details : Prof. P. S. Robi and Prof. R. Ganesh Narayan , 9957557637, 9954604304 , psr@iitg.ac.in,ganu@iitg.ac.in

  9. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Medical waste and food waste disposal in the isolation wards
    Expected Outcome : Robot based disinfectant system for medical and food waste
    Expected Timeline : 2 weeks
    PI Details : Prof.S. Kanagaraj and Prof. A. B. Kunnumakkara , 9957469518,7896005326 , kanagaraj@iitg.ac.in,kunnumakkara@iitg.ac.in

  10. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Robot-based screening unit for temperature measurement and Drug/food carrying unit to work in isolation wards
    Expected Outcome : A robot based temperature screening unit and water/food/drug carrying unit for isolated patients.
    Expected Timeline : One week
    PI Details : Prof. S. K. Dwivedy and Prof. P.S. Robi , 9435302598, 9957557637 , dwivedy@iitg.ac.in, psr@iitg.ac.in

  11. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : High capacity Autoclave
    Expected Outcome : High capacity Autoclave 200 lit capacity
    Expected Timeline : 15 days
    Remarks : A group of faculty from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has been working on the development of 200 litre capacity autoclave, where 1 atm (101.3 kPa) gauge pressure and 120°C will be maintained. Steam will be generated while heating the water and it will be used as a source to create desired pressure in the autoclave. There are a few safely features to control the pressure and temperature and both will be measured continuously and displayed. A timer is used to complete the autoclave process which will be used to sterilize the aprons and others used in the isolation wards. A stainless steel chamber with desired volume is made by welding the plates. The door of the chamber is hinged at one end and locked at the other side. A silicon gasket is kept between the door and the chamber in order to have leak-proof contact between them to create desired pressure in the chamber. The autoclave is mounted on a frame attached with caster wheels for easy transportation from one place to another place.
    PI Details : Prof. Sukhomay Pal , 9678009606 , spal@iitg.ac.in

  12. Data Analytics, AI to model epidemic patterns and disease dynamics
    Project Title : Model the covid virus etiology using the tools of biophysics.
    Expected Outcome : Use publicly available data both within India and outside to generate detailed models of how infections spread. Collaborate with hospitals to collect data about patients pre existing conditions and correlate with severity of infection.
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Girish Sampath Setlur, gsetlur@iitg.ac.in

  13. Treatment: Pharmacological, Non-Pharmacological
    Project Title : Re-purposing of FDA drugs and exploitation of ancient Ayurvedic knowledge to discover novel inhibitors to block coronavirus propagation.
    Expected Outcome : Coronavirus (CoVID-19) is a new outbreak of coronavirus disease which started in the Wuham, China, the spread of this virus has now reached a global stage, urgent need is therefore needed to find new drug molecules which can either be used as a first aid intervention or slow down the multiplication rate of the virus within the system. In order to address this, the proposed research looked into the existing FDA drugs, bioactive peptides, Ayurvedic formulations and screened them for their inhibitory properties towards the CoVID-19 protease. Recently, the crystal structure of the CoVID-19 protease (6LU7) has been established, this gave us the possible drug target site in CoVID -19. Using, MOE software, we will screen molecules from different libraries and ultimately test the binding affinity of top hits with protein using ITC. The current findings might be suitable for Fragment Based Drug Design (FBDD) approach which might lead to the discovery of completely new drug entity. Stability of the new protein structure will be studied using GROMACS molecular dynamic simulation software. Finally, current project proposal might be useful in identifying treatment for controlling coronavirus infection to cure patients.
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Vishal Trived, vtrivedi@iitg.ac.in

  14. Data Analytics, AI to model epidemic patterns and disease dynamics
    Project Title : Local Home Delivery Networks
    Expected Outcome : (a) Interactive Mobile App or Web GUI for placing orders (b) Algorithm for Resource Allocation (c) Logistics Planning and Activation of Delivery Network (d) Purchase Pattern Mining and Visualization (e) Algorithm for Hoarding detection
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. Prithwijit Guha, pguha@iitg.ac.in

  15. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Regular Health Monitor
    Expected Outcome : (a) An interactive Mobile App for acquiring Health Parameters tagged with Citizen ID, Location and Time (b) Large Database for storing health record entries (c) Fast algorithm for Incremental Clustering of Entries with Similar Symptoms (d) Visualization (w.r.t. Places, Age, Symptom etc.) of database (e) Predictive Model Learning using Temperature Profile and Cough Signal Classification (f) Alert generation for anomalous parameter profiles
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. Prithwijit Guha, pguha@iitg.ac.in

  16. Surveillance
    Project Title : Travel Tracker
    Expected Outcome : (a) An interactive mobile app or Web GUI for acquiring Citizen ID and Travel History (b) Construction of a backend database for storing travel histories (c) A fast algorithm for searching Top-K probably contaminated citizens with respect to a Query Citizen (d) Visualization of Database and Useful Citizen Connections
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. Prithwijit Guha, pguha@iitg.ac.in

  17. Testing kit
    Project Title : Non-contact InfraRed (IR) Human Fever Tester
    Expected Outcome : A typical IR sensor based thermometer consists of IR sensor, microcontroller, laser diode, display unit, power supply (battery). Among these components, microcontroller and display unit are used for reading IR sensor measurement and displaying it aesthetically. As these subsystems do not play a vital role in the intended purpose while mass screening by a non-medical person.
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. Rishikesh Kulkarni, Dr. Mahima Arrawatia, Prof. H. B. Nemade, Prof. Rohit Sinha

  18. Sanitization
    Project Title : Development of room enclosure to spray disinfectant to health workers. In this, we are attempting to develop a room enclosure to spray disinfectant to health workers. Simple hardwares will be used for the purpose. After successful testing, the arrangement can be used for large scale gathering in future.
    Expected Outcome : A room enclosure to spray disinfectant to health workers
    Expected Timeline : 3 months
    Remarks : We are attempting to provide the help as per suggestion from GMCH, Guwahati.
    PI Details : Sajan Kapil, R. GaneshNarayanan, PS Robi , 8451823572, 9954604304 , sajan.kapil@iitg.ac.in, ganu@iitg.ac.in, psr@iitg.ac.in

  19. Testing kit
    Project Title : A portable, bench-top device that could be used to carry out reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and array- based analyses of multiple genes/proteins simultaneously, employing switchable holders, customized techniques has been developed. It gives feasibility to carry out PCR and array-based studies in both liquid and solid phases on a single platform. The developed techniques use bio and environmentally friendly Au nanoclusters as probes without the involvement of carcinogenic commercial dyes and the probe could be synthesized in the device itself. The device is a compact, cost-effective platform for DNA and protein studies and could possibly after appropriate field testing offer potential diagnostic facilities in areas with limited resource settings particularly during epidemics and outbreaks like COVID-19. The invention is currently covered under the following patent applications: 1. CHATTOPADHYAY, Arun, SAILAPU, Sunil Kumar; DUTTA, Deepanjalee; SAHOO, Amaresh Kumar; GHOSH, Siddhartha Sankar; A device with integrated methods for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or DNA/PROTEIN array-based analyses. WIPO. PCT/IN2016/000141; CN (China) application no. 201680068615.5; EP(European Patent) application no. 16872562; US(United States) application no. 15778145; India application no. 15778145 Acknowledgments: The device was developed under an MeiTy sponsored project.
    Expected Outcome : A portable RT-PCR device
    Expected Timeline : 2-6 months (at least)
    Remarks : The first model is ready. However, trials and multiple unit production needs to be carried out by a third party. This may take somewhere from 2 to 6 months (at least).
    PI Details : Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh and Arun Chattopadhyay, sghosh@iitg.ac.in; arun@iitg.ac.in

  20. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : In this project, we are designing and developing a simple, cost-effective and efficient system for fabrication of multilayered surgical masks needed for bio-medical application. The system can easily be installed and operated in the remote areas. The mask production system performs three major operations on the fabric viz., (i) cutting, (ii) folding, and (iii) stitching or gluing. This will be an easy-to-operate machine which will perform the operations in sequential mode. It is in the last stage of the development. After verifying its performance and safety parameters, the system will be immediately transferred to the hospitals and concerned organizations to produce the masks for the society.
    Expected Outcome : A simple and cost-effective mask fabrication system. The system is expected to produce up to 600 masks/hr.
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. Sajan Kapil, and Dr. Shrikrishna N. Joshi , 8451823572 (Sajan Kapil), 9678010345 (Shrikrishna N. Joshi) , sajan.kapil@iitg.ac.in, snj@iitg.ac.in

  21. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Affordable Antiviral/Antimicrobial Spray Based Coating for Personal Protective Equipment’s to Kill and Prevent Spread of Coronavirus. Considering the recent scenario of worldwide COVID 19 pandemic, we have developed an affordable antiviral/antimicrobial spray based coating for personal protective equipment’s (PPE) to kill and prevent spread of coronavirus in an attempt to save citizens (preventive) and healthcare workers (who are coming in contact with patients). Normal PPE like masks/bodysuits are designed to protect the wearer from infectious aqueous droplets acting as a barrier but these do not have the ability to prevent the spread of the virus, as the surface of the fabric readily absorbs the virus/microbes over the time and gets accumulated leading to further spreading due to negligent handling of PPE. Our developed coating ensures effecting killing of the virus/microbes ensuring no penetration and accumulation of droplets/contaminants through the coated PPE. Any attached viral droplet or microbe will get immediately killed coming in contact with the PPE coated surface due to strategic association of antiviral agents in the current spray. Thus, proposed design has potential to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of disease. Our technology is super affordable and deployable with already existing infrastructure as available with PPE manufacturers. It can be coated onto any kind of surfaces including textiles and other medical device surfaces.
    Expected Outcome : A super affordable and easy to use spray based antiviral/antimicrobial coating for PPE to prevent virus/microbial spread, allowing reusability of PPE’s and easy containment of disease.
    Expected Timeline : The technology prototype is READY-TO-USE. Further validation of antiviral/antimicrobial action may be done at ICMR or similar Govt. facility.
    Remarks : Patent has been filed for the technology. We are looking for Industry partners to collaborate.
    PI Details : Prof. Biman B. Mandal , 8011005872 , biman.mandal@iitg.ac.in and mandal.biman@gmail.com

  22. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Complete Medical Textile Development and Manufacturing Centre at IIT Guwahati
    Expected Outcome : Production of coverall suits facility at IIT Guwahati for near future need to sustain north-eastern part of country. Development of anti-microbial Blown film based facility for making body suits. Production of use and throw hand globes facility-flexible plastic based Production line for non-woven polyester and polypropylene and compostable plastics based microfibre, microporous fabric manufacturing unit Melt spinning process line to make polyester fibre based micro fibers for diapers and other products
    Expected Timeline : Six months
    PI Details : Dr. Vimal Katiyar , 7086050764 , vkatiyar@iitg.ac.in

  23. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Production of compostable Plastic Masks
    Expected Outcome : Both vacuum formed and injection molded compostable Masks can be manufactured at IIT Guwahati (May onwards)-10,000 mask/day (innovative design by IITG) will be manufactured at IIT Guwahati. These mask can easily be reused and recycled and finally can be composed/biodegrade. Cast Film production unit and injection molding machine are required. Development of compostable flexible Mask production facilities
    Expected Timeline : May onwards
    PI Details : Dr. Vimal Katiyar , 7086050764 , vkatiyar@iitg.ac.in

  24. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : IIT Guwahati can facilitate the production/supply of medical textile as immediate requirement with industry support:
    Expected Outcome : • Production of three Ply Face Mask-we have identified the industry that can supply polypropylene non-woven Mask Ply Making and stitching machine within 10-15 days o Capability to manufacture upto 25,000 three ply masks per day • Polypropylene microporous fabric rolls can be made available with width of 200 mm and 160 mm. It can be arranged in one ton per day capacity. • Mask stitching machine can be arranged to stitch the mask. • Polypropylene non-woven Masks can be produced (10 lakhs/months) through industry support. Industry is ready to support to meet the target. • Washable masks of cotton 8000/days can be supplied. • Coverall suits without hot melt tape can be supplied -2000 per day • Both PP and SMS triplicate fabric rolls (1600 mm): Available in Tons scale • Import of above masks, overall suites on urgent basis can also be explored by the industry if the same is required in millions. Note: Local public administration support is needed in order to execute the above task.
    Expected Timeline : within April 2020
    PI Details : Dr. Vimal Katiyar , 7086050764 , vkatiyar@iitg.ac.in

  25. Treatment: Pharmacological, Non-Pharmacological
    Project Title : Preparation of Disease management Manual for Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Hospitals
    Expected Outcome : All PHCs and Hospitals may follow this guidelines while managing COVID 19 patients
    Expected Timeline : Ready
    Remarks : This will contain ‘General Advisory’, ‘Quarantine’, ‘Isolation’ and ‘Treatment of positive patients’
    PI Details : Dr. Satadal Saha/ Prof. Dipankar Bandyopadhyay , 9957577337 , drsatadal.saha@gmail.com; dipban@iitg.ac.in

  26. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Centre for Excellence in Disruptive Innovations & Product Development for Affordable Rural Healthcare
    Expected Outcome : Development of POCT devices, Ptimary health centres (PHCs), Telemedicine and DataAnalytics Software for disease detection, data storage and analysis
    Expected Timeline : 3 Years
    Remarks : The proposal has been Approved by ICMR - Funds awaited
    PI Details : Prof. Dipankar Bandyopadhyay/Prof. Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh , 9957577337 , dipban@iitg.ac.in/sghosh@iitg.ac.in

  27. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Riboswitch POCT Diagnostic kits for Specific & Simultaneous Detections of Coronaviruses: COVID-19, SARS & MERS
    Expected Outcome : A POCT detection platform to simultaneously diagnose COVID-19, SARS & MERS
    Expected Timeline : 2 Years
    Remarks : The proposal has been submitted to BIRAC - BT/TEMP9587/COVID/01/20
    PI Details : Dr. Swapnil Sinha/ Mr. Sahil Jagnani/Prof. Dipankar Bandyopadhyay/Prof. Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh , 9957577337 , swaps.gene@gmail.com; dipban@iitg.ac.in

  28. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Design and Development of Copper Oxide Containing Respiratory Face Mask against COVID-19
    Expected Outcome : Protective respiratory face masks protect the nose and mouth of the wearer from vapor drops carrying viruses or other infectious pathogens. However, incorrect use and disposal may actually increase the risk of pathogen transmission, rather than reduce it, especially when masks are used by non-professionals such as the lay public. Copper oxide displays potent antiviral properties. Impregnation of copper oxide into respiratory protective face masks may endows them with potent anti-COVID 19 properties without altering their physical barrier properties. The use of biocidal masks may significantly reduce the risk of hand or environmental contamination, and thereby subsequent infection, due to improper handling and disposal of the masks.
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. Supradip Das , 8011892334 , supradip.das@iitg.ac.in

  29. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Design Intervention for Low-Cost Respiratory Venturi Mask Valve for COVID-19 Patient
    Expected Outcome : As suggested by WHO continuous flow of 100% Oxygen may reduce the breathing capacity of the patient. That is why Venturi mask is suggested for COVID-19 patient by Who, so that it will allow small portion of surrounding air along with oxygen. Venturi mask can control the portion of room air. With the Venturi mask system, oxygen inflow is connected to a specific color-coded entrainment device at the base of the mask that provides a set FIo2 at a set oxygen inflow rate. Various entrainment devices can provide an FIo2 of 0.24 to 0.5, with an oxygen inflow of 4 to 15 l/min and a total flow delivered to the patient (including entrained air) of 35 to 45 l/min. If the patient's peak inspiratory flow exceeds this total flow, a lower FIo2 is inspired. The Venturi mask is ideal for a patient with COVID-19 patient.
    Expected Timeline : Design ready for 3d printing of the valve
    PI Details : Dr. Supradip Das , 8011892334 , supradip.das@iitg.ac.in

  30. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Design Intervention for Low-Cost Face Shields as an Effective Personal Protective Equipment against COVID-19 Transmission
    Expected Outcome : Frontline health workers’ faces have been reported to be the body part most frequently contaminated by splashes, sprays and spatter of body fluids. A face shield is classified as personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides barrier protection to the facial area and related mucous membranes (eyes, nose, lips). A face shield offers a number of potential advantages, compared with other forms of face/eye protection used in healthcare and related fields. That is why the face shield is used for protection from inhaling disease producing germs. The millions of potential users of face shields include healthcare workers, dental providers, veterinary care personnel, laboratory workers, pre-hospital emergency medical providers, police, and custodial staff dealing with spills and contaminated waste.
    Expected Timeline : Design ready for 3d printing
    PI Details : Dr. Supradip Das , 8011892334 , supradip.das@iitg.ac.in

  31. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Design and manufacture of beds for isolation wards
    Expected Outcome : Beds for isolation wards
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. S. K. Dwivedy , 9435302598 , dwivedy@iitg.ac.in

  32. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Development of Robotic cart for safe disposal of medical waste.
    Expected Outcome : Safe disposal of medical waste.
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. S. K. Dwivedy , 9435302598 , dwivedy@iitg.ac.in

  33. Medical Equipment/ Robots
    Project Title : Development of Robotic cart for safe delivery of food and medicine in isolation wards.
    Expected Outcome : Safe delivery of food and medicine in isolation wards.
    Expected Timeline :
    PI Details : Dr. S. K. Dwivedy , 9435302598 , dwivedy@iitg.ac.in

  34. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Expression of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-in Newcastle disease viral vector
    Expected Outcome : Development of diagnostics and probable recombinant vaccine
    Expected Timeline : 24 Months
    PI Details : Dr. Sachin Kumar , +917896024650 , sachinku@iitg.ac.in

  35. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Understanding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 for identifying the biomarker against its infection
    Expected Outcome : Development of diagnostics
    Expected Timeline : 24 Months
    PI Details : Dr. Sachin Kumar , +917896024650 , sachinku@iitg.ac.in

  36. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Antiviral efficacy of Giloy against influenza and other related respiratory viruses
    Expected Outcome : Proof of concept for the development of therapeutics
    Expected Timeline : 6 Months
    PI Details : Dr. Sachin Kumar , +917896024650 , sachinku@iitg.ac.in

  37. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Development of peptide based ELISA for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from serum samples.
    Expected Outcome : Proof of concept for the development of indirect ELISA.
    Expected Timeline : 6 Months
    PI Details : Sachin Kumar , 917896024650 , sachinku@iitg.ac.in

  38. Personal Protective Care Equipment
    Project Title : Use of face mask prevents spreading of Corona virus by restricting the migration of water droplets from COVID-19 infected persons to non-infected people. Now, we have huge demand for face mask as WHO recommended for single time use of the face mask, and currently, face mask becomes highly expensive. Here a highly water repellent and economic face mask is developed by rapid and single deposition of superhydrophobic coating on commercially available, inexpensive tissue paper. In general, the commercially available tissue paper, which is easy to dispose, is not recommended to use as face mask as it easily disintegrated by exposure of water. Moreover, the self-cleanable superhydrophobic coating is successfully achieved on various other fibrous materials, including hand kerchief, aprons and commercially available regular face mask etc.
    Expected Outcome : The superhydrophobic coating on tissue paper, is not only provided the desired durability to tissue paper towards aqueous exposure, but the extreme repellency in the coated tissue paper absolutely restricted the penetration of water droplets. Thus, this economic approach has potential to protect from contamination by corona virus containing aqueous droplets. Further, virus killing ability of this superhydrphobic coating is under progress as this superhydrophobic tissue paper is loaded with surfactant like molecules.
    Expected Timeline : Superhydrophobic Coating is already developed, 7-10 days is required to examining the ability of such coating to kill virus
    Remarks : We are looking for approval from competent authority and commercialization of this material.
    PI Details : Dr. Uttam Manna , 7086691175 , umanna@iitg.ac.in