IIT Delhi startups launch antiviral t-shirts, COVID-19 protection lotion

IIT Delhi startups launch antiviral t-shirts and a coronavirus protection lotion at an affordable price.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi's incubated startups have together launched antiviral t-shirts and a COVID-19 protection lotion at an affordable price, officials said. The product, launched by two of the institute's incubated startups, which was part of an antiviral kit, was unveiled by IIT Delhi Director V Ramgopal Rao on October 2. The two startups are---E-TEX and Clensta. The kit consists of a novel Clensta protection lotion, hand sanitiser, E-TEX Kawach Antiviral T-Shirt and Kawach Mask.
The products have been backed by experts from the Chemical and Textile department of IIT Delhi. According to officials, the antiviral fabric designed by startup--E-TEX, has been designed using advanced technology which reduces the likelihood and speed of contaminations and transmissions by destroying micro-organisms on contact.

The antimicrobial property of the garment remains effective even after 30 washes in mild condition. The finishing is done on cellulosic fibers, which is safe for human contact and on the environment.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is pushing for an all-time-high demand of multi-functional anti-viral and microbial apparels. Developing cost-effective bio-clothing with antiviral and antimicrobial functionalities through local resources and resilient manufacturing can deactivate the viral threats, can efficiently stop or slow the spread of the virus. "Further, this will boost the local economy for textile and garment sectors," said Bipin Kumar, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi.

Mr. Kumar explained that the COVID-19 Protection Lotion launched by the start-up named "Clensta" offers 99.9 per cent virus protection with antiviral and antiseptic properties for up to 24 hours. "

The product is a breakthrough advancement in the formulation of engineering chemistry with first of its kind PAP Technology (Prolonged Antiviral Technology) to prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections without harming the environment and human health and advanced hand sanitiser are formulated with increased alcohol retention time to be effective prevention against multiple viruses," Mr Kumar said.

"The product can be used over any exposed part of the body including face and hands. The application of the product keeps users safe from viruses by disrupting it for almost 24 hours and reduces the extended use of alcohol-based sanitizers and washing hands multiple times a day," Mr. Bipin Kumar added.

Read More:

• IIT Delhi Courses & Fees 
• IIT Delhi Admission 2020