IIT Madras-Incubated Startup Develops Coated Textile Method To Defuse Coronavirus

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras-incubated start-up ‘Muse Wearables’ is developing a coating textile method having nanoparticles-based antimicrobial agents that can disable the coronavirus and prevent it from spreading further.

With a capacity to coat textiles for up to 100 metres within few minutes, the material can be used to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), N95 masks, surgical masks and food packaging bags, among others.

Moreover, the textile coating makes the protective gear reusable for up to 60 wash cycles.

“We are very proud of our startups who are working on a range of products that are vital to India’s fight against Covid-19, from N95 masks to intubation boxes and ventilators to affordable testing kits,” Chief Executive Officer of IIT Madras Incubation Cell, Dr Tamaswati Ghosh was quoted as saying by India Today.

At present, the company is assembling the coating machine, post that it will start the process of coating textiles with nanoparticle solutions.

“Our solution tries to solve the current pandemic problem at the root level by inactivating coronavirus permanently. As soon as it comes in contact with the coated nanoparticles, its structure is permanently destroyed by the nanoparticles,” Chief Executive Officer of Conzumex Industries (parent company of Muse Wearables), K.L.N. Sai Prasanth told India Today.

The start-up is reportedly in touch with a mass manufacturing company to make five-layered antiviral N95 masks to stop the transmission of coronavirus. The masks will be available at an estimated price of Rs 300 per piece.