Varanasi: To beat sanitiser crisis, make your own at home

VARANASI: At a time when markets are running short of sanitisers due to an upsurge in its demand following Covid-19 scare, a research group at Nano-Cellular Medicine and Biophysics Laboratory, School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT-BHU has decided to impart training of preparing sanitizer using products easily available at home.
“We decided to prepare sanitizer in our laboratory and distribute among students and staff.Also, we have planned to conduct an outreach programme to train people on preparing sanitiser at home,” said associate professor Dr Marshal, who leads the research group.
Explaining the formula, he said that to prepare sanitizer mix 7 parts of Ethanol (99% pure) with 3 parts of Aloe Vera gel and then add 1% Sodium Hydroxide (1mm). To overcome the smell of alcohol, add rose water or kewra water to it. The cost of 100ml sanitizer prepared is estimated to be Rs 40.
“We are ready to cooperate with the district administration to fight against the virus,” said Dr Marshal adding that any individual can contact them to learn the process of preparing sanitizer free of cost.