IIT Ropar Converts Household Trunk into UV-Based Sanitization Unit

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar has developed an ultraviolet (UV-C) light-based sanitization unit using a household luggage trunk. 

The unit is based on UV-C Germicidal Irradiation Technology for disinfecting packages and personal accessories as well as food items including raw vegetables and fruits. The unit made by IIT Ropar is suitable for offices as well as homes.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (ultraviolet C or UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.

The unit has been conceptualized and designed by Prof Naresh Rakha, senior scientific officer at the IIT, along with Dr. Khushboo Rakha, assistant professor, and TS Anand, an executive engineer at the institute.

“In today’s scenario when the entire world is fighting Covid-19, innovative and affordable products should help us in our fight against the virus," Rakha said.

The technology for manufacturing the unit has been transferred to a Chandigarh-based firm for commercial production. Pritpal Singh Matharu of Esspee Industries said that initially they would be making 20 units per day and later increase output as availability of raw material improves with the graded exit from the lockdown.

 “UV-C light needs to be used carefully and in a calibrated manner,” he further said.