Plasma-based green disinfectants can limit spread of infectious diseases like COVID 19

What is the News?

Researchers have developed a plasma-based disinfectant generated with the help of cold atmospheric pressure plasma(CAP) which could act as a green decontaminant for Covid-19.

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic had brought forth the urgent need for decontaminants that can limit the spread of infectious diseases through contact. 

However, most decontaminants consist of chemicals that are hazardous to the environment. This encouraged researchers to work towards greener alternatives. 

What have the researchers developed?

Researchers have developed a plasma-based disinfectant generated with the help of cold atmospheric pressure plasma(CAP).

This disinfectant has the potential to deactivate SARS-CoV-2 spike protein which binds to human ACE2 receptors for inducing viral infection and subsequent Covid-19.

Note: Plasma, the fourth state of matter which makes up most of the universe when produced in controlled conditions in the lab is termed as Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma(CAP).

What is the significance of this method developed?

Firstly, this method is a better alternative to environmentally hazardous chemical-based decontamination methods. 

Secondly, the CAP is environmentally safe since, during the entire decontamination process by plasma treatment, no chemical waste is produced.

Source:  This post is based on the article “Plasma-based green disinfectants can limit spread of infectious diseases like COVID 19” published in PIB on 19th April 2022.