The government is supporting a technology by IIT Bombay for capturing and inactivation of novel corona virus. It is expected that the technology would be ready in about 9 months.
The Indian Government has approved funding for development of nasal gel for prevention of COVID-19 which will provide a extra layer of defence against the infection
The government is supporting a technology by IIT Bombay for capturing and inactivation of novel corona virus. It is expected that the technology would be ready in about 9 months.
The funding will help development of a gel that can be applied to nasal passage, the major entry point of the novel corona virus. This solution is not only expected to protect the safety of health workers, but can also lead to reduction in community transmission of COVID-19.
Two- pronged approach is planned to limit transmission – the first component of the strategy will be to inhibit binding of viruses to host cells since viruses replicate within host cells of the lungs. Secondly, biological molecules would be incorporated, which would inactivate the trapped viruses in a manner similar to that of detergents.
Upon completion, this approach will lead to development of gels that can be locally applied in the nasal cavity.
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(Based on Press Release ID: 1612161 issued by Press Information Bureau, Government of India on 08 APR 2020)
