Indian Institute technology (IIT) Delhi incubated startup MediFiber in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi, has developed an antimicrobial solution called Viroclog. The solution helps reduce the existence of viruses, bacteria, fungi on the fabric when applied as a coating on the cloth, claim the developers.
The core importance of this technology is to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by integrating antimicrobial technology with hospital clothing that provides a layer of protection against microbial pathogens, the researchers said. IIT Delhi said textile materials are major carriers of microbial pathogens, resulting in serious hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) globally.
Viroclog coating on fabrics lowers the surface energy to prevent the adhesion of microbes and destroy the membrane integrity of microbes. The researchers say that destruction of the lipid-based membrane barrier inactivates the microbes, thus preventing infection transmission.
IIT Delhi claimed that tests conducted by AIIMS New Delhi, IISc Bangalore and several NABL accredited laboratories show that viroclog technology contributes significantly in reducing infection through antimicrobial hospital clothing.
“Textile materials provide space for the growth of pathogenic bacteria because they are porous, which only increase further in the humid and hot climate of the Indian subcontinent. In addition, HAIs lead to longer hospitalizations, financial burdens, and often higher mortality rates. Therefore, there is a strong argument for the development of technology. India To reduce the burden of HAI through a range of antimicrobial hospital fabrics for healthcare,” said Dr Sachin Kumar, mentor of the startup and a faculty member at Center of Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi.
“Hospital-acquired microbial infection is a major problem not only in India but globally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a renewed sense of urgency to tackle the issue. In this context, it is now being realized that clothing and textile materials are not only carriers of microorganisms such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi, but can also act as breeding grounds for the growth of these microbes. Hence, there is an urgent need for protective clothing for medical workers in hospital setting that is economical and comfortable as well as provides long-term protection against germs,” said Dr Vikram Saini, Medical Consultant of the startup and a medical advisor at AIIMS, New Delhi. faculty member. Delhi said.
read all breaking news, today’s fresh newswatch top videos And live TV Here.