Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in association with Berger Paints has launched a multi surface protector named “BreatheEasy Safe 24”. The innovation protects surfaces from germs, bacteria and viruses for a period of 24 hours and prevents its spread. The product can protect the desk, car seat, door handle, keys, buttons, bags etc. from the viruses.

The innovation is designed on the Advanced Nanosilver Technology and is a specially formulated alcohol free and environmentally friendly product. It is developed by Prof. Biman B. Mandal, Professor, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, and his research team at IIT Guwahati

Speaking about the technology and its potential Prof. Biman B. Mandal said, “Safe 24 stays active for extended period of hours on the application surface. Its special formulation forms a protective nano-silver coating which fights bacteria and virus as validated by standard protocols. We feel that this product would make our everyday lives safer in these trying time and beyond.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread to almost all corners of the country, the Government wanted the research institutions and corporates to merge ideas to form innovative solutions to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. Over the course of the past few months, India has led the way by building innovating products and BreatheEasy Safe 24 is a positive step in the journey.

Speaking about the innovation, Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “IIT Guwahati has been instrumental in designing several projects in helping the society and the nation fight COVID-19. BreatheEasy Safe 24 is a true outcome of academia-industry collaboration lead by IIT Guwahati”.

One can simply use the product by spraying it from a distance of 20 to 25 cm and wipe the surface after 30 seconds of spraying.

Elated on the occasion of the launch of “BreatheEasy Safe 24”, Abhijit Roy, MD and CEO Berger Paints, said, “Berger Paints has always been a front runner in innovating customer centric products. With economic activities gradually picking up, there was an evolving demand for a product that can protect for a longer duration. It was a pleasure to bring IIT Guwahati’s technology to the Indian consumer as it catered to a big need gap.”

As more and more people are stepping out of their homes, personal hygiene and safety become pivotal in restricting the spread of Coronavirus until a vaccine is found. The Institute is keen to join hands with industry partners to explore the wide range of applications the technology promises.