Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products

Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (Puntas), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa

The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ethanol is the most widely used alcohol due to its effectiveness in eliminating pathogens, ease of use, and widespread production. However, artisanal alcohol, generally used as a spirit drink, could be a viable alternative for developing sanitizing gels. In this study, the use of alcohol "Puntas", silver nanoparticles, and saponins from quinoa was evaluated to produce hand sanitizer gels. The rheological, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. In the previous assays, the formulations were adjusted to be similar in visual viscosity to the control gel. A clear decrease in the apparent viscosity was observed with increasing shear rate, and an inversely proportional relationship was observed with the amount of ethyl alcohol used in the formulations. The flow behavior index (n) values reflected a pseudoplastic behavior. Oscillatory dynamic tests were performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of gels. A decrease in storage modulus (G') and an increase in loss modulus (G″) as a function of the angular velocity (ω) was observed. The evaluation of pH showed that the gels complied with the requirements to be in contact with the skin of the people, and the textural parameters showed that the control gel was the hardest. The use of artisan alcohol could be an excellent alternative to produce sanitizer gel and contribute to the requirements of the population.

A systematic overview of metal nanoparticles as alternative disinfectants for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants

Coronaviruses are a diverse family of viruses, and new strains can emerge. While the majority of coronavirus strains cause mild respiratory illnesses, a few are responsible for severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is an example of a coronavirus that has led to a pandemic. Coronaviruses can mutate over time, potentially leading to the emergence of new variants. Some of these variants may have increased transmissibility or resistance to existing vaccines and treatments. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the recent past has sparked innovation in curbing virus spread, with sanitizers and disinfectants taking center stage. These essential tools hinder pathogen dissemination, especially for unvaccinated or rapidly mutating viruses. The World Health Organization supports the use of alcohol-based sanitizers and disinfectants globally against pandemics. However, there are ongoing concerns about their widespread usage and their potential impact on human health, animal well-being, and ecological equilibrium. In this ever-changing scenario, metal nanoparticles hold promise in combating a range of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as other viruses such as norovirus, influenza, and HIV-1. This review explores their potential as non-alcoholic champions against SARS-CoV-2 and other pandemics of tomorrow. This extends beyond metal nanoparticles and advocates a balanced examination of pandemic control tools, exploring their strengths and weaknesses. The manuscript thus involves the evaluation of metal nanoparticle-based alternative approaches as hand sanitizers and disinfectants, providing a comprehensive perspective on this critical issue.

Development and Evaluation of an Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer Formulation Valorized from Fruit Peels

Hand sanitizer usage has proven to be a common and practical method for reducing the spread of infectious diseases which can be caused by many harmful pathogens. There is a need for alcohol-free hand sanitizers because most hand sanitizers on the market are alcohol-based, and regular use of them can damage the skin and can be hazardous. India is the world's largest producer of fruits and one of the major problems after fruit consumption is their peels, causing waste management problems and contributing to the formation of greenhouse gases leading to air pollution and adding to the problem of climate change. Valorization of such wastes into other value-added products and their incorporation into formulations of eco-friendly alcohol-free hand sanitizers would solve these issues, save the environment, benefit the society, and help in achieving the sustainable development goals. Thus, this research focuses on formulating an effective natural alcohol-free hand sanitizer that harnesses the antimicrobial properties of the various types of bioactive components found in fruit peels of pomegranate, sweet lime, and lemon. The peel extracts and the formulated sanitizer proved considerable antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic Escherichia coli and hand microflora. Molecular docking was also applied to examine ligand-protein interaction patterns and predict binding conformers and affinity of the sanitizer phytocompounds towards target proteins in COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia viruses. The binding affinities and the protein-ligand interactions virtual studies revealed that the sanitizer phytocompounds bind with the amino acids in the target proteins' active sites via hydrogen bonding interactions. As a result, it is possible to formulate a natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizer from fruit peels that is effective against pathogenic germs and viruses using the basic structure of these potential findings.