Hand sanitizer developed by PU Team

Chandigarh: The team at the Department of Chemistry, Panjab University has developed a laboratory made sanitizer as per World Health Organization (WHO) which can be used to protect against viral and bacterial strains. The team of research scholars that have developed the sanitizer is led by Dr. Rohit Kumar Sharma under the mentorship of Prof. K. N. Singh, Chairman, Panjab University. The developed sanitizer consists of solution of isopropyl alcohol/ethanol with additions of glycerol, hydrogen peroxide and deionized water as per WHO recommendation.

The initial aim of developing this sanitizer free of charge is to provide it for the university employees such as gate keepers and other employees who are in first line of public dealing. In this context, Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of Dr. Rohit K. Sharma and Chemistry department in developing the much needed sanitizer. Prof. Raj Kumar has expressed desire that this sanitizer should be made in bulk and provided to as many people as possible on ‘no profit no loss’ basis. Prof. Raj Kumar emphasized that Panjab University should be playing the leading role in educating and empowering society in light of coronavirus threat. 

Dr. Rohit Sharma said that the cost of alcohol raw material for such sanitizers has suddenly increased in last few days as the stocks have started depleting due to less supply from the distributors. This has also led to manifold increase in cost for preparation of such sanitizers. However, Dr. Sharma said that such sanitizers can be provided to the general public by the university if the city administration can help in making sure that the raw materials are supplied in sufficient quantity in coming days.