Mangaluru: A new start-up company Apahatech Solutions LLP incubated in NITK science and technology entrepreneur ‘s park (STEP) started production of Reusable Transparent Face shields which are coated with silver nanoparticles for extra safety. This modified product is in continuation with the face shields which were reported by NITK during April 2020.
According to Dr. Arun M. Isloor, who is a professor at the department of chemistry NITK and designated partner of this start-up company, this is the first such reported commercial product, where silver nanoparticles are coated on the bands of face shield to give antimicrobial property. These modified face shields also provided with a strip of the spongy layer to give cushioning effect thereby highly comfortable even after wearing for 3-4 hours. These shields can be reused just by wiping both surfaces with soap solution using a cotton swab.
According to Dr. Isloor, his intention of commercializing this product is not for profit-making, but to fulfill the demands of the public at an affordable price.
‘Moreover, I want to show our students and youngsters that, entrepreneurship is possible under any circumstances and India too can produce any products at an affordable price under Make in India and can be AATHMANIRBAR.’ Adds Dr. Isloor. A part of the share will be given to NITK as royalty, a part of the fund will be donated to the Indian army fund and a part to the manpower who were involved in its manufacturing. ‘ I hope, it will inspire more companies to donate funds to our army fund”. This startup was started by the faculty of NITK as per the central government’s startup policy. Its main objective is water purification by innovative technologies. As a service to the society and to fight against covid19, its producing face shields.
These face shields are made o of 100-micron tick transparent polyester sheets, which cover about 180 degrees of the frontal portion of the head, covering mouth, eyes, and nose, thereby gives protection against any splashes, saliva by an infected person. The band is made of styrofoam, a lightweight material that gives comfort feeling, unlike that of elastic.
He already received orders from Kerala, Bellary, Bangalore and other places. These shields are highly useful to dentists, health care workers, bank officials, hospitals, airports, etc.
