Researchers at the University of Georgia have unveiled a groundbreaking hand sanitizer that eliminates over 97% of bacteria and fungi, including strains resistant to antibiotics. This innovative gel, named NORel, offers a promising alternative to traditional alcohol-based sanitizers, which are known for their drying effects and limited duration of antimicrobial activity.
The development of NORel marks a significant advancement in hand hygiene, particularly for high-risk environments such as hospitals and clinics. Unlike conventional sanitizers that lose their effectiveness within 30 to 60 minutes, NORel maintains its antimicrobial properties for up to two hours post-application. This extended protection is attributed to its unique formula, which utilizes the disinfecting power of nitric oxide—a molecule naturally present in the body that aids in fighting infections.
Breakthrough in Hand Hygiene
Elizabeth Brisbois, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at the UGA College of Engineering, highlighted the extended protective effect of NORel. “Regular hand sanitizers with alcohol do a pretty good job at killing bacteria initially,” she explained. “We showed that the nitric oxide persists on the skin for a longer period of time, so it’s kind of an extended protective effect. That was the most exciting result.”
“We showed that the nitric oxide persists on the skin for a longer period of time, so it’s kind of an extended protective effect.” – Elizabeth Brisbois
Fortified with antimicrobial and moisturizing ingredients such as ethanol, tea tree oil, and glycerin, NORel leverages the proven benefits of nitric oxide, which has been used in other skin-related applications like wound healing and acne treatment. The gel’s efficacy is comparable to commercial sanitizers containing 62% ethyl alcohol.
Potential Impact on Health Care Settings
The introduction of NORel could have profound implications for health care settings, where preventing infections is paramount. The gel’s ability to provide long-lasting protection makes it particularly suitable for use by health care professionals and their patients. This development comes at a time when the need for effective infection control measures is more critical than ever.
According to Brisbois, the research team is already considering the next steps for NORel. “In this initial project, our focus was on formulating the hand sanitizer and evaluating its effectiveness against bacteria commonly associated with medical device infections,” she noted. Future research aims to enhance the gel’s formulation chemistry and assess its efficacy against viruses, including COVID-19, as well as other types of fungi. Improving the gel’s stability at room temperature is also a priority.
Looking Ahead
The study, published in Biomaterials Science, was co-authored by Manjyot Kaur Chug, Gabrielle Aluisio, Cole Bousquet, Mark Garren, Yun Qian, and Joseph H. Campbell. It received funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health.
This development follows a growing trend towards more sustainable and effective hygiene solutions. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by infectious diseases, innovations like NORel could play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health.
Looking forward, the research team is committed to advancing this technology, with plans to test NORel against a broader spectrum of pathogens and improve its shelf life. As these efforts progress, NORel could become a staple in infection control protocols worldwide, offering a new level of protection against harmful microbes.
