Alcohol-free Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray Against COVID-19 – A New Health Innovation from Chula!

Chula researchers recently launched a fast-acting, alcohol-free disinfectant for viruses and bacteria that is gentle on the hands.  Nationally patented, the innovation was selected as a souvenir for the Thailand Research Expo 2021.

Frequently applying disinfectant products help reduce your chance of contracting the COVID-19 virus but comes at the cost of dry and itchy hands.  This was the problem that Assistant Professor Dr. Rojrit Rojanathanes, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, was determined to solve and succeeded in developing “Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray” that kills the COVID-19 virus, and bacteria within a minute.

“As a replacement for alcohol spray, we invented this product that has no side effects, is non-irritating, and non-flammable.  More importantly, it is cheaper than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit.

With its special features, the innovative Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray was selected as a souvenir at the Thailand Research Expo 2021 at Centara Grand Hotel and at Central World’s Bangkok Convention Center, during November 22-26, 2021.

Assistant Professor Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Head of the Nanomedicine Research Unit and Director of the Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) proposed the alcohol-free disinfectant idea to Asst Prof. Dr. Rojrit to develop it into a disinfectant product. He added that, “Healthcare workers and the general public need to use disinfectant products several times daily. This irritates the skin, makes it very dry and may even develop into open wounds.  For these reasons,  a non-alcoholic disinfectant spray is much needed.”

Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray, a new all-over-the body solution

This disinfectant is nothing new, but is a combination of existing items to create a new disinfection product that is more effective and affordable.

“We use a substance with membranes that contain positively charged ions to destroy the cell membrane of the coronavirus. A certain compound is also added to the solution to inhibit the enzyme activity of the virus, enhancing the efficacy of the spray,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit explained.  He added that the various compounds used in the product are certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for their ability to kill various microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and are harmless to users.

Another outstanding feature of the product, apart from killing pathogens, is its moisturizing property.

“The alcohol used for disinfection is highly concentrated, may cause irritation to the user’s skin, and is flammable.  We, therefore, invented a water-based disinfectant as a substitute. Apart from its non-irritating quality, it is also not as volatile as alcohol, so the solution can stay on the skin for a long time. It also sticks to the face mask or clothing when sprayed, and remains effective longer than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit. “The disinfection product comes in spray form and can be used on the body, where moisturization and disinfection are needed.  Since there is no need to rinse, it can be reapplied every four hours, avoiding the eyes, mouth, and nasal cavity areas.  The spray can be stored for up to two years.”

At present, this disinfection product is registered as a national patent and the technology is in the process of being transferred to SCG Chemicals Co., Ltd. for distribution.  Nevertheless, the technology is also open to any entrepreneurs interested in commercializing the product.  More information can be obtained at Line: @cmic.chula.

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