Pune: To deal with the rising threat of the transmission of the novel coronavirus through object surfaces, nanotechnology start-up Log 9 Materials, in association with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, have come up with ‘CoronaOven sanitisation chamber system’ project. It is a technological solution in the form of a small disinfection chamber that uses UV-C rays to kill coronavirus present on the surface of objects.

The CoronaOven, which makes use of UV-C light with a wavelength of 253.7 nm, can be used to disinfect surfaces like household and grocery items, food items, etc. It has been scientifically reviewed and verified in terms of UV intensity at the laboratories of IISc.

As a part of the collaboration, Log 9 and IISc Bangalore will be working together to carry out further research and optimisation for the existing product.

Speaking about the tie-up, Akshay Singhal, Founder and CEO, Log 9 Materials said that in less than a month since CoronaOven’s official launch, the product has gained overwhelming response in domestic markets.

“Now, following the collaboration with IISc-Bangalore, we are all set to roll out several new product variants of CoronaOven customised as per market needs, as well as expedite the optimisation of our existing product range. We are confident that our co-branding with IISC will give us a huge mileage and credibility boost to scale up the effectiveness of the CoronaOven project,” said Singhal.

Dr Suryasarathi Bose, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore said that the disinfection chamber designed by Log 9 is highly effective and reliable as it radiates multifocal UV-C light on each point of the surface on any object to be sterilised, and the UV intensity/dosage used in this device has been certified and deemed appropriate by IISC.

“Given the current situation pertaining to COVID-19, such science-backed innovations have become the need of the hour to curb or limit the spread. In view of this, IISC and Log 9’s joint research initiatives will be significant in speeding up further enhancements on the CoronaOven product,” said Bose.

CoronaOven is a patent-pending technology developed based on a study which demonstrates that controlled UV-C light can permanently damage the RNA sequence of SARS-CoV1 virus and render it incapable of multiplying in living cells.