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Panjab University's Breakthrough Paint Additive Fights Deadly Hospital Infections

Scientists at Panjab University have secured a patent for a novel paint additive designed to reduce hospital-acquired infections by killing bacteria on walls, beds, and furniture. Developed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the non-toxic material does not mix into the air, ensuring safe indoor use. The innovation originated from collaborative research led by Gaurav Verma, sparked by the delta wave where surface-spread infections and black fungus claimed many lives. The team continues to advance the technology, aiming to make hospitals safer and embodying the principle that science should directly benefit society.

Key Points: PU's Anti-Bacterial Paint Additive Cuts Hospital Infections

  • Kills harmful bacteria on surfaces
  • Non-toxic and safe for indoor use
  • Born from pandemic-driven research
  • Granted Indian patent in 2025
2 min read

PU scientists develop paint additive to reduce hospital infection

Panjab University scientists patent a non-toxic paint additive that kills bacteria on hospital surfaces, born from Covid-19 research to save lives.

"Paints should not only make buildings look good but should also help save lives. - Gaurav Verma"

Chandigarh, Jan 2

Panjab University scientists have developed a special paint additive that can help reduce infections in hospitals, an issue that has become critical after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The innovation was granted an Indian patent on December 31, 2025.

The breakthrough, led by Gaurav Verma of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology, emerged from collaborative research during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Avneet Saini from the Department of Biophysics, Shubhi Joshi and MSc student Deeksha Sharma are the other members of the team.

The paint additive works by killing harmful bacteria on surfaces, making hospital walls, beds and furniture safer.

Importantly, the material is non-toxic and does not mix into the air or surroundings, making it safe for indoor use.

The patented paint technology has the potential to be widely used in hospitals and clinics to reduce infections and improve patient safety.

The idea took shape amid Covid-19 when hospital-acquired infections claimed many lives, especially during the delta wave of 2021-22.

These infections often spread through touched surfaces such as walls, beds and furniture and were also linked to serious complications like black fungus.

The story behind the innovation began in 2018, when Shubhi Joshi, a food microbiologist, approached Gaurav Verma for a PhD.

Although, she had topped the PU PhD entrance test, she could not get admission in her own subject.

Verma accepted her into his lab and gave her a challenging research problem involving very tiny materials known as nanomaterials.

During the pandemic, the team continued working in the laboratory while maintaining physical distance and following Covid safety rules.

Their efforts led to the development of the anti-bacterial paint additive, which was successfully completed in 2022.

At present, Shubhi Joshi is working as an ICMR Woman Scientist and continues to collaborate with the PU research team.

Verma said the innovation reflects his belief that every student has the ability to do meaningful science and that science should directly help society.

He added that paints should not only make buildings look good but should also help save lives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great innovation from PU! But the real test is implementation. We have many great patents that never leave the lab. I hope there's a clear plan to partner with paint companies and get this into hospitals, not just in metros but in district hospitals across India.
A
Aditya G
Heartening to see Indian scientists solving real-world problems. The story of Shubhi Joshi is inspiring – shows how perseverance and a good mentor can lead to breakthroughs. Jai Vigyan! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As someone who had a relative suffer from a post-surgery infection, this feels very personal. A simple layer of paint that fights germs? That's brilliant. Wishing the team all the best.
K
Karthik V
Non-toxic and doesn't mix in the air – that's the key detail. Many disinfectants have strong smells and can be harsh. This seems like a much more passive and continuous form of protection. Hope the cost is viable.
N
Nisha Z
Good work, but let's not forget the basics. Will this paint reduce the need for proper sanitation protocols by staff? It should be an added layer of safety, not a replacement for hygiene. The article doesn't mention its effectiveness against viruses, only bacteria.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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