| There has been an urgent need for personal protective equipment including three-ply masks, N95 masks and gowns for healthcare workers. One approach is to enhance the functionality of three-ply masks with antiviral properties. Based on an established technology for wash resistant antibacterial coatings developed by Prof Rinti Banerjee and team, the team is now developing additional antiviral coatings for medical textiles. Prototypes have been developed of the coated textiles with incorporation of encapsulated nanoparticles of naturally occurring non-toxic and non-irritant antiviral compounds for sustained antiviral effect. Further validation studies are planned to be undertaken for this technology. Partnerships are sought with interested industries to validate and scale up this technology for antiviral masks and protective gear. |