CSIR-IICT (Indian Institute of Chemical Technology) and Cipla Foundation (CF) would introduce SAANS, a first-of-its-kind multi-layered, high quality, affordable, hydrophobic face mask with anti-bacterial properties soon.

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A statement here on August 4 said, ''CSIR Fights CORONA'' initiative was launched by CSIR for mitigation of COVID by pursuing focused R&D on different verticals such as new & repurposed drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and hospital assisted devices. Additionally, as part of scientific social responsibility (SSR), CSIR was also focusing on enhancing incomes and lives of rural entrepreneurs/ MSMEs. The emphasis was on scale-up and deployment of already developed technologies by involving nearby Social and Voluntary organisations.

CSIR-IICT has approached potential partners for collaboration under CSR activity with the proposals conceived with sustainable and economically viable business plan for deployment and free distribution of offerings for COVID mitigation involving a potential entrepreneur. The Chief Scientist and Chair Business Development, CSIR-IICT D Shailaja said that Cipla Foundation (CF) has joined hands for a project on affordable, multi-layered, hydrophobic face masks with anti-microbial properties entitled ''SAANS” with a seed grant for production of 1 lakh high quality masks for distribution in identified Mandals of Rural Telangana. She added that plans for expansion of making it a pan India Project are underway by involving the NGO partners of CF.

The SAANS facemask, made with CSIR-IICT’s design has 3-4 layers made of co-extruded hydrophobic polymers with anti-bacterial properties. The mask is expected to provide a virus rejection of 60-70 percent, but more importantly, a 95-98 percent rejection of respiratory droplets of minimum 0.3 um size – a key factor in controlling the spread of the virus which cannot survive without a medium, as described by the Project Leader S Sridhar, Sr Principal Scientist, Head, Membrane Team at CSIR-IICT. The SAANS mask could be washed (30 washes) and re-used for up to two-three months. It provides greater breathability making it a better mask compared to other expensive limited use masks, the statement added.