A new startup at NITK manufactures nanoparticles coated face shield

Mangaluru, July 14: A new startup company Apahatech Solutions LLP incubated in NITK’s  Science and technology entrepreneur’s park (STEP) started production of reusable transparent face shields coated with silver nanoparticles for extra safety. 

This modified product is in continuation with the face shields which were reported by NITK- Surathkal during April 2020 complete lockdown period. 

“This is the first such reported commercial product in the country, where silver nanoparticles are coated on the bands of face shield to give antimicrobial property. This modified face shields also provided with a strip of 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,” Dr Arun M. Isloor, Professor, Department of Chemistry, NITK  who is also the designated partner of this startup said.

Dr Isloor’s intention of commercializing this product is not for profit making, but to fulfill the needs of public at an affordable price. 

‘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”, Dr isloor said. 

A part of the share will be given to NITK as royalty. Dr Isloor is voluntarily donating a part of fund to the Indian army fund and a part to the manpower who were involved in its manufacturing. 

This start up was started by Dr Arun M. Isloor as per central government’s start up policy. The main objective is water purification by innovative technologies.  As a service to the society and to fight against COVID-19, it is producing face shields. 

These face shields are made  of 100 micron thick transparent polyester sheet, which covers about 180 degrees of frontal portion of the head, covering mouth, eyes and nose, thereby providing protection against any splashes, saliva by an infected person. The band is made of styrofoam, a lightweight material which gives comfort feeling, unlike that of an elastic band. 

He has already received orders from places like Kerala, Ballari and Bengaluru. These shields are highly useful to dentists, health care workers, bank officials, hospitals and airports. 

Each such reusable shield costs Rs 35 and further details can be obtained from 9448523990.