Hand Sanitizer:The need of the hour

The world now is in an unpleasant situation where COVID 19 has the entire world in

its grip and the unpredictable and unprecedented has become conventional. The

chemical engineering industry globally has become influential, enabling them to pivot

their production assets to meet the highly urgent needs of communities in crisis by

providing them with hand sanitizers. By maintaining one’s sanitation it can prevent

the spread of different kind of diseases caused by people-to-people contact and

hence has a great effect on the wellbeing of a person.

Hand sanitizers are gels that contain alcohol, disinfectant or antimicrobial agents to

kill the germs and bacteria present on the skin. There are two types of hand

sanitizers based on the active ingredient used: Alcohol-based or Alcohol-free. The

Alcohol-based sanitizer contains between 60 to 95 percent alcohol in the form of

ethanol, n-propanol or isopropanol. Due to the high concentration of alcohol the

proteins get denatured easily. Thus, killing the bacteria. The Alcohol-free products

consist of benzalkonium chloride or triclosan. Hand sanitizers also contain glycerine

that helps in soothing the skin, fragrance etc.

For the production of hand sanitisers firstly, water is used as a solvent and carrier

from about 60% to 96% by weight which is sufficient to operate as a carrier and

solvent for the composition. The composition includes Tetrasodium EDTA from about

0.001% to about 0.1% by weight to operate as a buffer, stabilizer and chelating

agent. Benzathonium Chloride of about 0.1 to 1.0% by weight is used as a

preservative. Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteryl Alcohol, and Steryl Alcohol from about 1.5% to

about 5.5% by weight are used to emulsify, thicken and lubricate. Glycerin is present

from about 0.1% to about 1.4%, a surfactant from about 0.02% to 7.9%, mineral salts

from 0.1% to about 1.4%, a skin protectant from about 0.1% to 1.4% and an oxidant

vitamin from about 0.01% to 1.4% all by weight. This composition includes a

soothing agent in a therapeutically significant amount and a conditioner.

One of the key steps in the manufacturing process of a hand sanitizer is the

preparation of the gel to obtain a mass free dispersion to ensure a clear, bright gel

after neutralization. By adding surfactants and moisturizers such as glycerine to

protect the skin these may help in the proportion of the overall formulation so that the

mixing system is capable of dispersing them uniformly throughout the entire product.

For homogenizing the sanitizer the steps included are stirring, forcing the mixture at

high pressure through small holes, using extruders, hammermills, colloid mills and

also ultrasonic homogenizers. For adding the sanitizer you must include adding it

sufficiently slowly while mixing to prevent undesired effects.

Factors like how the hand sanitizer is applied, frequency of use, the quantity applied

etc all these ensure the effectiveness of the product. It can effectively reduce and kill

bacteria, fungi or any disease-causing pathogen. This is the best and the only way in

which a hand sanitizer can fulfil its sole purpose of preventing the spread of

diseases. During times like these, hand sanitizers have become demanding, one

can always make it at home using these simple ingredients: isopropyl or rubbing

alcohol, aloe vera gel, lemon juice or any essential oil and the key is to stick to a 2:1

proportion of alcohol to aloe vera. Thus, making the percentage of alcohol about 60

percent which is the minimum amount required to kill germs according to the CDC. In

the global fight against the deadly spread of COVID-19, chemical companies and

distilleries are stepping up to produce hand sanitizer for use in hospitals and

common people too.

Hand sanitizers have been deemed as an important product in the global fight

against the pandemic COVID-19 that some cities, states, and institutions have been

giving it away for free. Hovione is one of many chemicals, distilling and other

companies that are starting to increase the production of hand sanitizers and its

ingredients during this pandemic, making Hovione and other companies jump in

during a time of need. Speciality chemical manufacturers in the business of making

sanitizing and disinfecting chemicals are boosting production. In a century where

hand sanitisers were used by the elite or medical workers has now become an

important necessity for the entire society.

Let us all appreciate the ones working hard to keep us safe and follow the guidelines

strictly so that soon we can all start afresh in our healed world.