Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, have developed a new technology to fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

The innovation, titled ‘DuroKea Series’, was virtually launched by the Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on 16 April.

BVR Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad, Director IIT Hyderabad, Professor BS Murty; Professor and Founder-Dean of ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad, M Srinivas and other officials from the institution were present on the launch day.

It was developed by the IIT Hyderabad team led by Dr Jyotsnendu Giri, Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering and founder EaffoCare Innovation Pvt. Ltd incubating at iTIC.

DuroKea Series was launched after extensively testing through field trial and validation from different government-accredited laboratories.

During the virtual launch, Pokhriyal said that the innovation was aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve self-reliance.

In terms of efficacy, these newly launched products can kill 99.99 per cent of germs instantly, while leaving behind the long-lasting protective nanoscale coating for up to 35 days.

The Education Minister also explained the unique property of the DuroKea technologies.

He said that it can ensure instant killing of the viruses within 60 seconds and provide protection from them — which is required during this current pandemic situation.

According to News18, Dr Giri said: “DuroKea Nanotechnology is unique and powerful and can kill pathogens instantly (within 60 seconds) and provide protection for longer periods of from several hours to several days. Long-lasting hygiene products have several advantages such as nonstop protection, avoidance of repeated use, cost-effectiveness and above all time, energy and money conservation."

These nano-formulation products are the first-of-their-kind in India, as well as abroad with this range of efficacy.

DuroKea products are expected to play an important role in fighting the battle against Covid-19, while being useful at healthcare facilities as a surface disinfectant.

The Director of IIT Hyderabad, Professor Murty, congratulated the team for developing the DuroKea series.

He said the institution had proven again, especially during this pandemic time, that it was always at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

“IITH has delivered many solutions, including low-cost ventilators, effective masks, mobile apps and fast Covid-19 test-kits. DuroKea is one such unique invention to come out of IIT Hyderabad to fight Covid-19,” he added.

This next-generation antimicrobial technology is expected to be available on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart shortly and can be purchased at affordable prices starting from Rs. 189.