Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Seeing the critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with the onset of COVID-19 and its skyrocketing demand, the NAVCO Pharmaceuticals Limited developed BioActiveTM, a revolutionary non-toxic, non-flammable, alcohol-free hand sanitizing cream that protects from pathogens. This cream acts as a barrier and provide PPE like protection along with sanitizing hands and disinfecting surfaces. However, effects of this cream last only for a shorter duration. Looking at the benefit of this cream and need of a safer and innovative product for healthcare and essential services workers, NAVCO is planning to advance their cream to the next level by increasing its effectivity for long term so that the cream can act as an invisible glove. This cream will act like a barrier cream/ skin guard with antimicrobial effects. This protective skin guard will add an additional security level along with the traditional gloves and other PPE by adding a physical barrier to the hazardous materials and chemical barrier to pathogens. NAVCO will collaborate with Wearable, Interactive and Mobile Technology Access Centre in Health (WIMTACH) to develop an antimicrobial, safe, cost-effective, long-lasting, and biodegradable "invisible-glove", which if found effective can even replace gloves to some extent and reduce the landfill waste. The collaboration will provide competitive advantage to the company by expanding the marketability of the product for Health Care Workers (HCW), researchers and students in diagnostic and BSL 1-2 labs, food handlers in restaurants, as well as for the public.