An environment-friendly hand sanitizer that is gentle on the hands and does not dry them, will soon be available in the market.
The alcohol-free, aqueous, non-inflammable, and non-toxic hand sanitizer has been developed from Silver Nanoparticles by a Pune-based start-up.
Recurrent drying up of hands due to repeated application of hand sanitizers is a challenge that people have faced during the COVID 19 pandemic.
The hand sanitizer developed by Weinnovate Biosolutions prolongs antimicrobial activity thus obviating the need for repeated applications. Silver nanoparticles give slow and sustained release of silver ions to kill microorganisms that come in contact. Besides, it can be stored in ambient conditions.
It has successfully completed Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved clinical trial for the hand sanitizer and demonstrated high efficiency in killing viruses.
Weinnovate Biosolutions was supported by the CAWACH 2020 grant of the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and incubated at Entrepreneurship Development Centre (Venture Centre), Pune. They developed the colloidal silver solution-based hand sanitizer. The technology operates on the ability of the silver nanoparticles to prevent the synthesis of viral negative-strand RNA and viral budding.
“We are very confident of the study outcomes and waiting to get the license for our hand sanitizer formulation from CDSCO, India. We are sure that such innovation will push India towards its ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission and make India a self-sustained nation to face such pandemics in future”, said Dr. Anupama Engineer, co-founder & COO Weinnovate Biosolutions.
Silver nanoparticles have been found to be effective antiviral that acts against many deadly viruses like HIV, Hepatitis B, Herpes simplex virus, Influenza virus, and so on. Recent reports have suggested the role of Glutathione capped-Ag2S NCs (Silver nanoclusters) in inhibiting the proliferation of Coronavirus by preventing the synthesis of viral negative-strand RNA and viral budding.
The colloidal silver on which the technology of the sanitizers of Weinnovate Biosolutions is based can help arrest Covid -19 spread by blocking the RNA replication and infectivity by blocking the surface glycoproteins.
A study to evaluate the efficacy of hand sanitizer on different types of viruses is also currently underway by the group.
Vishal Sharma is a renowned Indian journalist, cyber security expert, social activist, and poet, better known in literary circles as Surur Akbarabadi. Journalism is his first love, through which he has captured the pulse of society and pursued an unwavering commitment to truth. He divides his time between Agra—his ancestral home, famed for the Taj Mahal and Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb—and Lucknow, the cultural capital of Uttar Pradesh, where he lives as a devoted husband and doting father. His personal life, filled with love and care for his family, anchors his relentless efforts for societal good.
Vishal’s academic path reflects his versatility: a B.Sc. degree sharpened his scientific rigor, while an LL.B. equipped him with a legal perspective. His journalistic career is illustrious, having worked with prominent publications such as The Indian Express, The Pioneer, Indo-American Times, and Business Standard, where he mastered the art of weaving facts into compelling narratives. As Managing Editor of Indian Talent Magazine, he nurtured emerging voices, and today, he runs Agra24.in, a news portal that keeps Agra’s heartbeat alive online, while also serving on the editorial boards of several other digital platforms, amplifying stories that matter.
Poetry is Vishal’s close second love, expressed under his pseudonym Surur Akbarabadi—a blend of "joy" and a tribute to Agra’s rich legacy. Inspired by Urdu giants like Ghalib, Faiz, and Nazir Akbarabadi, his verses, such as "विरासत-ए-ज़फ़र का ये अंजाम देखिए" and "खामोशियों का शोर," fuse personal reflection with societal critique, offering both solace and commentary. His prose is equally powerful, spanning environmental concerns, political satire, and calls for unity, resonating widely on platforms like X.
Vishal’s dedication to society shines through his diverse roles. As Vice-Chairman of Hindustani Biradari, he champions communal harmony, countering divisive narratives with appeals for peace. As Secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber, he strengthens the city’s tourism ecosystem, ensuring its heritage—tangible and intangible—thrives. His work on Agra’s Heritage and History Conservation Committee reflects his commitment to preserving the city’s past, from Mughal marvels to forgotten tales, while his active role in civil society amplifies grassroots concerns.
A Cyber Security Consultant by profession, Vishal safeguards digital frontiers, a role that aligns with his critiques of online toxicity. His editorial oversight of Agra24.in and other portals merges his journalism with tech-savvy insight, delivering real-time updates to a global audience. Whether exposing institutional opacity or celebrating cultural milestones, his pen remains a tool for truth.
A photography and travel enthusiast, Vishal is fond of long drives across the country, capturing India’s diverse landscapes through his lens. He holds a special love for Rajasthan, where the vibrant culture and rugged beauty inspire him, and often unwinds on jungle safaris, with Sariska being his favorite retreat to reconnect with nature. In Lucknow, he balances his public endeavors with a private life of warmth and stability. A devoted husband and doting father, he draws strength from his family, rooting his activism in personal values. From conserving Agra’s heritage to dissecting global economics, Vishal Sharma stands as a modern polymath—a journalist of conscience, a poet of the people, and a guardian of culture and justice, leaving an indelible mark on India’s intellectual and social fabric.
An environment-friendly hand sanitizer that is gentle on the hands and does not dry them, will soon be available in the market.
