INDUSTRY TALK
How to mix and manufacture
COMPLIANT HAND SANITISER Designed to be an alternative to washing hands with water and surfactants, hand sanitisers reduce the viral and bacterial load on skin. While they don’t necessarily kill everything, viruses such as COVID-19 are more susceptible when using hand sanitisers. Dr Russel Walters, freelance scientist at Kolabtree, shares his expertise on how to formulate and manufacture an alcohol-based hand sanitiser quickly, easily and compliantly.
I
n order for a virus to infect a human
can also spread viral particles when
host, the host needs to be exposed
touching the eyes, mouth, food etc.
to a sufficient viral load, typically hundreds, thousands or tens of
Hand sanitisers have repeatedly been
options are few and constraints clear. This article focuses on the two formulations permitted by the FDA under
shown to slow the spread of viruses
the recent COVID-19 guidance. The choice
thousands of viral particles. Using hand
and are regulated in most countries.
is yours.
sanitiser dramatically reduces the viral
In the US, the FDA recently liberalised
load on the skin, reducing infection, or
manufacturing rules, creating a
infection severity.
favourable situation for manufacturers
INCREASED AVAILABILITY TO FIGHT THE VIRUS
and formulators who are new to the
Before the coronavirus, in the US hand
infected person is best for transmission,
Long, sustained exposure to an
industry. It opens a legal path for
sanitisers were produced by very large,
which makes it important to sanitise
those looking to expand into hand
FDA-registered drug manufacturers, like
hands because they are our primary
sanitiser supply and makes formulation
Purell. However, in March 2020, the FDA
contact with the outside world. Hands
straightforward. Unlike skin lotions, the
issued guidance for expanded production
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| QUARTER 2 2020 | P C Africa
