​Across healthcare proper disinfection is imperative. Since the outbreak of the pandemic patients have also become more conscious about sterilisation and handwashing. It is therefore no surprise that researchers have been inspired to develop effective, easy-to-apply, disinfectants.

The media outlet EurekaAlert! explains, “Foam-type disinfectants are a leading candidate in this regard since they do not drip, keep the disinfected area visible, and are less likely to reach the user’s eyes.”

But foam disinfectants have their issues. Usually, foam disinfectants are stabilized with the absorption of a surfactant at the air/liquid interface, high ethanol concentrations and can be destabilized by foams in aqueous solutions.

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) in partnership with Life Science Products Division, NOF Corporation, sought to solve these issues.

By adding an anionic (negatively charged) surfactant, long-chain alcohols, and an inorganic electrolyte to an aqueous solution containing a high concentration of ethanol (60 vol. per cent).

By adding the electrolyte, the foam had “decreased surface tension and an increased surface viscosity” which enhanced it’s overall stability.

Dr. Kenichi Sakai, leader of the study and associate professor at TUS, explained the motivation behind the study, “We have been working on this research project before the novel coronavirus infection became a social problem. We believe that the social impact of this research will only increase as the social need for disinfectants and health safety go up.”

Dr. Sakai also commented, “The Covid-19 pandemic has seriously affected human lives and social activities on a global scale. As a result, the importance of proper sanitation has been recognized worldwide. We believe that the results of our research will contribute to the sustainable development goal (SDG3) of ensuring good health and well-being among people of all ages.”

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