Surface transmission is known to be one of the biggest reasons for the increase in Coronavirus cases around the world. A start-up introduces a first-of-its-kind technology to contain the spread through touch. By Ayushi Sharma
It would not be wrong to say that technology has proved to be a game-changer, especially in the time of a pandemic. While COVID-19 vaccine continues to remain under development and containing the spread of the Coronavirus has become the most critical aspect in today’s world, a start-up has announced the launch of ‘Keep-U-Safe,’ a first-of-its-kind technology, which will aid in achieving significant reduction of viruses on surfaces of their products.
Surface transmission is known to be one of the biggest reasons for Coronavirus spread around the world. The organisation, SeguraMAX, aims to fight the very contagion. It believes that this could become a potential game-changer for India and the world, where the Coronavirus cases are rising at an alarming rate. The green plant-based technology has been tested by various international and accredited NABL labs with proven results to reduce more than 99 per cent viruses from various surfaces of fabrics, garments and plastics in less than one minute. It has also proven to remain effective after multiple washes.
The technology can become the first shield of hybrid protective wear to fight infectious diseases and prevent surface transmission of viruses from the infected to the uninfected, even while pharma companies continue their effort to develop and suitably deploy a vaccine in the coming months. The company has developed a diverse range of products treated with bio-organic additives that reduces the presence of viruses.
Now the question is — how is this technology better than UV tech? Gaurav Khullar, Director, Product Development, explains that first and foremost, the human body cannot be exposed to UV tech and it takes longer for UV lights to disinfect a surface. For instance, a wall or a wall-coating cannot be disinfected and takes longer time. However, this technology is perhaps the first in the world to use plant-based, natural and non-toxic technology, which doesn’t have any adverse effects on the human body or the surfaces it has been applied to. “Our technology is manufactured as coatings, plastic masterbatches, plastic films, fabrics and apparel. After several rigorous testing, exposing our products to several bacteria and viruses, we have been able to successfully introduce a technology, which is instant and has the same efficacy on fabrics after 60 washes. The virus reduction rate remains 99 per cent within the very first minute and interpreting this to the number of days, we estimate it could last for as long as up to two years in room conditions as the tests are undergoing,” shares he.
During the winter season, when people might face a challenge as far as sanitisation is concerned, how will this technology and product help? Khullar tells us that a lot of the viruses are cross transmitted. This technology helps in reducing the cross-virus transmission within one minute of exposure, making it an instant smart solution. “If the surfaces are self-sanitised with the use of this tech then the cross-transmission would be reduced by 99 per cent. For example, we are doing trials with an electrical switch manufacturer. These electrical switches are turned on and off very regularly. Since sanitiser has alcohol content in it, it cannot be sprayed on electrical switches. With this tech, the switches will keep on sanitising themselves. People might face a challenge as far as sanitisation during winter season is concerned, so we have also introduced virus reduction jackets which can act as a shield even if you’re exposed to an environment with viruses,” says he.
The products can be used by corporates, government employees, public dealing personnel like airport staff, policemen and most importantly health workers, who frequently come in direct contact with infected individuals and surfaces. The product range includes cling wraps for suitcases and food and other purposes, breathable 3pc PPE suit, breathable coats for doctors, N-95 masks, bed linen, doctor seat covers, travel jackets, all-weather jackets, airline seat covers, face shields, table covers, gloves, uniforms, grocery shopping bags, wrapping papers and much more.
“The problem of anti-microbials has already been there for a very long time. So, our plant-based technology will not only limit the bacteria and viruses that are existing today but will also prohibit any other possible viral transmission or bacterial growth for which further studies are undergoing. This may very well become a way of life and our technology will be a product feature for every product to have an anti-microbial coating. With the plant-based additive, it becomes non-toxic and safe. Therefore, it can become a game changer by utilising natural plant-based resources to make the technology work in the sphere of life. The products are protective wear only and not medical devices, they do not provide any guarantee against infections and are certainly not a cure,” shares Khullar.
The company is presently in talks with Material Engineers and Product Managers of various organisations globally, who have shown keen interest entering into licensing arrangements to deploy this revolutionary technology. The introduction of Keep-U-Safe products will help in allaying a lot of fear among frequent travellers and more so the public at large, who are potentially exposed to a lot of public spaces and high-risk touchpoints.
