Mahatma Gandhi University vice chancellor and noted nano technology scientist Dr. Sabu Thomas observes that curcumin that is extracted from turmeric could be used as a potential agent in preventing COVID-19.
Curcumin is an integral part of two among the three research projects undertaken by Sabu Thomas and his team of scientists, to find out the means to fight COVID-19.
Two projects are aimed at creating a better technique to effectively disinfect the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is worn by frontline health workers engaged in the fight against COVID-19. The project that states that a coating of titanium dioxide, curcumin and some other materials, in its nano form, would prevent the spread of the corona virus onto the PPE kits or masks has been submitted for the approval of the Central Science and Technology Ministry and the department of biotechnology of the Ayush Ministry.
The second project assumes that a coating of nano cellulose separated from natural fibres and curcumin could increase the efficiency of the PPE suits. Dr. Sabu Thomas said that this project too has been submitted for the approval recently.
Meanwhile, the third research project that is related to developing an effective vaccine against COVID-19 is in progress. The antibodies obtained from the bodies of those who are cured would be used to develop the vaccine. Around Rs 3 crore is required for the projects that may last up to 1 – 3 years.
Kottayam Medical College, Assam Central University and Inter University Centre for Biotechnological Research would join hands with the Mahatma Gandhi University in developing the preventive medicine.
The team includes Dr. R Sajith Kumar, head of the department of infectious diseases at Kottayam Medical College, Dr. Nanadakumar Kalarikkal, director of the MG University Nano Centre and Dr. KP Mohankumar who is the director of the Payyapadi COVID-19 test centre.
