Pune-based company, Green Pyramid Biotech (GPB), which works on food, agriculture, and bio-technology will manufacture natural, alcohol-free sanitizer for hands and general surfaces with long-lasting antibacterial and antiviral effect. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has approved funding for the company as the natural sanitizer will be effective in halting the spread of COVID-19.

Availability of sanitizer is important to fight the infection as people may not find soap and water at all places. Cleaning the hands and wiping surfaces like handles, tables, computers, chairs, mobile phones, and locks is essential to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

This sanitizer formulation developed by GPB has an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), a biosurfactant, that provides long-lasting protection against bacteria and viruses. It has been tested against a numerous pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and yeast. The formulation can provide a convenient and effective way to clean hands and surfaces and is totally biodegradable, natural, and alcohol-free. In addition to sanitization, the API has a unique property of supporting fibroblast activity. Hence it can be used to clean the wounds and prevents dryness and skin irritation. Besides, the product whose technology concept and applications have been formulated, is harmless to the skin.

There are several different approaches to disinfect skin – soap and water, alcohol-based formulations, nanoparticle containing media, etc. each of which has strengths and use, depending on the availability, context and circumstances. The bio-surfactant based disinfecting solutions are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and easy on skin", said Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), which is supporting GPB to make this natural, alcohol-free sanitizer to combat COVID-19.

GPB, headed by Asmita Prabhune, is a spin-off from the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. It is funded by Seed Support System of the Technology Development Board (TDB), DST, and incubated by Entrepreneurship Development Center, Pune..