Innovative Design Project

Antimicrobial Spray

Submitted by-
Jay Patel (BT15CME034)
Mamta Jamgade (BT15CME046)
Shreyas Parbat (BT15CME075)
 HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS

What exactly are Hospital Acquired Infection ?

1. A hospital-acquired infection (HAI), also known as a nosocomial infection, is an

infection that is acquired in a hospital or other health care facility.

2. To emphasize both hospital and nonhospital settings, it is sometimes instead called a

health care–associated infection (HAI or HCAI).

3. Infections occurring more than 48 hours after admission are usually considered
nosocomial.

4. An infection acquired in hospital by a patient who was admitted for a reason other than
that infection.

5. An infection occurring in a patient in a hospital or other healthcare facility in whom the

infection was not present or incubating at the time of admission.

6. This includes infections acquired in the hospital but appearing after discharge, and also
occupational infections among staff of the facility
Hospital Acquired Infection Burden on the World

Major Site of Infection Estimated No.

Pneumonia 157,500
Gastrointestinal Illness 123,100
Urinary Tract Infections 93,300
Primary Bloodstream Infections 71,900
Surgical site infections from any inpatient surgery 157,500
Other types of infections 118,500
Estimated total number of infections in hospitals 721,800

The losses due to Hospital Acquired Infections are very high worldwide as we can see
from the above statistics and the number of patients suffering from these diseases are
high
Why do patients in hospital acquire infection ?

1. Patients with infectitious diseases are admitted to the hospitals frequently

2. Some of this pateients are able to spread their organisms to other patients and they
provide one source of infection in hospital patients admitted for other causes.
3. When such patients are admitted to the hospitals the risk has to be asssesed accordingly
4. Appropriate measures need to be taken to contain the infecion with isolation procedures
of various degress and by the use of antimicrobial and antibacterial coating.

People most prone to HAI in hospital

Immunodeficiency of varying degrees is seen in many of the patients admitted to hospital.

These include:
1.patients at the extremes of age
2. patients with diabetes
3. receiving immunosuppressive drugs
4. patients with cancer, in particular those undergoing chemotherapy
Problem Statement

The number of pateints being infected by Hospital Acquired Infections around the world are
very high. The main cause for the Hospital acquired infections is the high concentration of
microbes existing in the various loactions in the hospitals which act as carrier of various types of
infections and diseases.

Many patients like old age people, people with passive drugs effects, canncer patients, diabetes
patients etc are extremely prone to such diseases. Thus steps need to be taken to reduce and
prevent Hospital acquired infections.

Propose a solution to reduce and prevent the Hospital acquired infections caused by high
microbes concentration into hospitals. Take into consideration the following constraints :

1. The healthcare budget of developing and under developed nations are low and need to
tend to a large number of populations. These countires mostly include Asian and
African countries. The number of HAI infections in Asian and African countries are
very high as compared to US and Europe. Thus the solution proposed must be useful in
Underdeveloped and developing nations where there is a pressing need to reduce HAI.

2. The manpower required of the proposed solution must be minimal as the primary
function of hospital is to treat patients.

3. The solution proposed for the prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections mus be long
lasting and durable.

4. The solution proposed must not cause ny kind of discomfort to either patients or the
staff in the hospitals.
 DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN WHILE FINDING THE
SOLUTION TO PROPOSED PROBLEM

LITERATURE SUREY

The different methods found in literature for the prevention and reduction of Hospital Acquired
Infection are given below. They are broadly classifed in given domains :

1. Hygiene
This is the simplest approach to preventing the spread of infections and needs to be
incorporated into the culture of the organization. The maintainence of hygiene in the
hospital is of utmost importance. These leads to less concentration of disease and
infections spreading microbes on various surfaces of the hospital and thus consequently
decreasing the chances of spreading of diseases and infections from one person to another

2. Changes in Enviromment of Hospital

Changes in environment is one of the most used method for the prevention of Hospital
Acquired Infection. Antimicrobial and Anti bacterial coating are the method prevalent iin
hospitals today. The Anti microbial and anti bacterial coating used are applied on various
surfaces.
Another method is making hospital equipment out of antibacterial and
antimicrobial material like copper and silver. But both of these metals being very costly
increases the cost of these methods which cannot be afforded.

3. Screening and cohorting patients

This method includes screening patients at the main counter and them keeping them in
different wards accordingly. The patients with same diseases and infections are kept
together. The patients having infectitious diseases which can be spread by means of air or
microbes must be kept in different ward away from the patients in general ward. In this
way the HAI are prevented by screening patients.

4. Vaccinations
The staff at a healthcare organization may sometimes be the cause of the spread of
infections. They come into contact with patients with different types of diseases and may
contract infections, according to the CDC. As a result, organizations must make sure that
recommended vaccinations are being administered to their staff as recommended.
"Keeping healthcare professionals healthy pays dividends," says Mr. Schweon. It results
in decreased transmission risk to co-workers and patients.
FIELD VISITS

To see the current cleanliness and hygiene conditions and the methods used to prevent Health
Acquired Diseases in India, we decided to visit the following health institutions

1.Private Hospital -Lata Mangeshkar Hospital

2.Government Hospital - Government Medical College and Hospital
3.Clinic in College - Health Centre, VNIT

In the above three visits, we interacted with doctors, patients and hospital staff.

1.PRIVATE HOSPITAL - LATA MANGESHKAR HOSPITAL

2.GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL - GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND
HOSPITAL

3.CLINIC IN COLLEGE - HEALTH CENTRE, VNIT

STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED

The three major stakeholders that we consulted are :

1.Doctor
2.Hospital Staff
3.Patients

The Interactions methods with different stakeholders were varies :

1.Doctors -
With doctor we did one to one interaction depending of their availablity.

A. We did interview of Dr. Rajesh from Lata Mageshkar Hospital about the existing method in
use at the hospital for the prevention of Hospital Acquired Infection.
B.While at Government Medical College and hospital we just asked the doctors of the various
techniques used to reduce HAI

2.Patients -
A.For patients we made a survey form to know their opinion about the exixting cleanliness and
hygiene condition of the different hopitals
B.This was done so we can validate the need of the solution we were proposing

3.Hospital Staff - They are also a part of environment. The different hospital staff were
interacted in different ways
A.Cleaning Staff - The methods they use for cleaning and how frequently do they do it
B.Non Cleaning Staff – How often they get infected by Hospital Acquired Infections
USER INTERVIEWS

Dr. Rajesh Rathi (Consultant Pathologist, Lata Mangeshkar Hospital Nagpur)

During our visit to Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, we got the chance of interacting with DrRajesh
Rathi who is a consultant pathologist. The session that took place between us and Dr Rajesh
Rathi is given below as :

What are the cleanliness and hygiene steps taken in these hospital?
The 22 departments are regularly cleaned by hospital staff. Each room is cleaned twice to thrice
a day by the staff to whom the room is alloted. Weekly allotment of cleaning duties are given to
the staff. Some cleaning staff are always kept free to clean any are in need like if the patient has
vommited or created any other type of waste which is not desired.

Can you tell us about the Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) ?

They are basically the infections that you acquire from other patients in the hospital. Since the
concentration of the germs is very high in hospitals these are very frequent.

HAI are usually more frequent in India (Asian Countries) and African countries. Can you
tell why ?
The hospitals in US and other countries usually are equipped with better equipments and also
they have better cleanliness and prevention measures. Also the budget given to Medical facilites
in India is low as compared to then and in the african countries the health budget is extremely so
these types of infections are ver common

What are the preventions steps taken to prevent or reduce HAI in Lata Mangeshkar
Hospital?
The cleanliness steps is one of the ways we take to reduce this problem.
Another way is to keep patients having same infection together so the risk of infection to other
patients who do not have that disease is lower.
Some Equipments which are very costly come with an anti microbial coating when purchased.
Some rooms which require high level of cleanliness have copper equipments as they have anti
microbial properties.
SURVEY FORM

Hospital Hygiene Survey

Name of Hospital: _____________________________________

You are in direct contact with this on a regular basis and this is why we are interested in your
opinion on hygiene care-associated infections and overall hospital hygiene.

 It should take you about 10 minutes to complete this questionnaire.

 Your responses should reflect your current experience in this hospital.

 Each question has one answer only.

 Please read the questions carefully and then respond spontaneously. Your answers are
anonymous and will be kept confidential.

S. No Particulars Very Satisfied Neutral bad Very

satisfied bad

1. Comforts provided and facilities

available
2. Opinion regarding the hospital
environment
3. Cleanliness of the wards and
corridors
4. Cleanliness of beddings and lodging

5. Sanitizing services

6. Your impression of the toilet

facilities and cleanliness

Any suggestion / guidance for hospital hygiene

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
EXISTING METHODS OF ADDRESSING THE NEED

There are four mains types of Antimicrobial Additive currently in use are based on Silver Ion,
Copper, Zinc and Organic technologies:

 Silver Ion Antimicrobial Additives: Suitable for deployment in a broad range of

materials and applications, including paints, coatings, textiles, polymers and other material
types.

 Zinc Antimicrobial Additives: A well-known antibacterial and antifungal compound.

 Copper Antimicrobial Additives: can provide antimicrobial protection in preservative

and hygienic applications, with substrates such as paints, coatings and polymers being
most suitable.

 Organic Antimicrobial Additives: Includes phenolic biocides, quaternary ammonium

compounds (QAC or QUAT) and fungicides (Thiabendazole).
1. Silver Ion Antimicrobial Additives:

 Mechanism of antimicrobial activity of Silver ion :

o The activity of Silver as antimicrobial agent involves two distinctive steps that will each
have an impact on its efficiency.

o The first one is the way the system will behave in the environment of interest, where
physical or chemical modifications can occur.

o Among these, aggregation, dissolution, RedOx (photo-)reactions, release of adsorbed

silver species, adsorption or desorption of ions, molecular species or polymers, or
interaction with other nanoparticles or surfaces can all have an effect on the speciation of
silver, modifying this metal availability and impacting the antibacterial effect

o The second step involves the way the silver-containing species interact with the bacterial
cell and lead to the cellular death.

o This second step is thus dependent on the first one, as the nature of the silver-cell
interaction is dependent on the type of silver species that are present in solution.
 Current Market Status:

o Global Nano Silver Market was valued at $433 million in 2015, and is expected to
reach $1,605 million by 2022, supported by a CAGR of 20.5%.

o Nano silver has at least one external dimension in the range of 1100 nanometers
approximately. It is available in a number of physical and chemical forms such as
metallic particles, silver ion, soluble silver compounds, and combinations that are
available in solution, dispersion, colloidal, suspensions, and matrix of different
substances (polymers, zeolites, and others).

 Disadvantage:

o As it is the case for most nanomaterials, the toxicity impact of different systems is thus
difficult to compare from one study to the other.

Mechanism of Silver Ion Antimicrobial Properties

2. Zinc Antimicrobial Additives:

 Mechanism of antimicrobial activity of Zinc additives:

o The mechanism of action of ZnO nanoparticles against bacteria, but to date, the process
underlying their antibacterial effect is not clear.

o However, a few studies have suggested that the primary cause of the antibacterial
function might be from the disruption of cell membrane activity. Another possibility
could be the induction of intercellular reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2), a strong oxidizing agent harmful to bacterial cells.

 Curret Market Status :

o It is used as a food additive, it is the most commonly used zinc source in the fortification
of cereal-based foods.

o Because of its antimicrobial properties, ZnO has been incorporated into the linings of
food cans in packages for meat, fish, corn, and peas to preserve colors and to prevent
spoilage.

o Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing region in the global nano zinc oxide market. New
entrants have focused on expanding their presence in the emerging market especially
China, India, ASEAN, and others.

o In 2015, Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the global nano zinc oxide market,
accounting for more than one-third share of the total demand.
3. Copper Antimicrobial Additives:

 Mechanism of antimicrobial activity of Copper :

o The mechanism of the biocidal action of nanoparticles involves disrupting the membrane.

o Extend of inhibition depends on the concentration of nanoparticles as well as on the

initial bacterial concentration.
 Current Market Status :

o Antimicrobial property of copper nanoparticles is utilized by adding them to plastics,

textiles, and coatings.

o These nanoparticles are also used in electromagnetic (EMI) shielding and in the
preparation of high strength alloys.

o They are used as sintering additives & capacitor materials, superficial conductive coating
processing of metal & non-ferrous metal, catalyst for chemical reactions, and highly
thermal conductive materials.

o Based on region, the global copper nanoparticles market can be segmented into North
America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.

o The market is expected to witness robust expansion in most of the developed economies
around the globe.

o In terms of market share, North America is leading the global copper nanoparticles
market. This trend is likely to continue in the near future.
4. Organic Antimicrobial Additives:

 Mechanism of Organic antimicrobial additives:

o The interaction of the antiseptic or disinfectant like organic antibacterial (phenolic

biocides, quaternary ammonium compounds and fungicides ) with the cell surface
followed by penetration into the cell and action at the target site(s).

o The nature and composition of the surface vary from one cell type (or entity) to another
but can also alter as a result of changes in the environment.
o Interaction at the cell surface can produce a significant effect on viability (e.g. with
glutaraldehyde), but most antimicrobial agents appear to be active intracellularly. The
outermost layers of microbial cells can thus have a significant effect on their
susceptibility (or insusceptibility) to biocides.

 Current Market status :

o The organic pesticides market is segmented based on crop type into permanent and
arable.

o The arable segment held a significant market share and is anticipated to exhibit highest
growth during the forecast period.

o Increase in demand for organic produce and other products produced by means of organic
farming drives the market growth.

o The demand for organic food products in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific is
witnessing growth rates of 13.8%, 13.5% and 12.1%, respectively.

 Disadvantage:

o The cost associated with this type of additives is very high.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION PROPOSED BY US
Approach
We decided to follow the Change in Environment approach for the prevention and reduction of
HAI. We decided to select this approach because if this is carried out then it may lead to
implementation of other solutions easily like hygiene and cleanliness can be maintained easily
and also the screening approach can be carried out efficiently

Change in Environment Approach

The Main source of the Hospital Acquired Infections are the high concentration fo microbes and
bacteria found in the hospital.

One of the ways of of reducing or eliminating the microbes is to use anti-microbial material or
coating in the hospital. These material instantly kills the bacteria or microbes as soon they come
in contact with them.

Thus it also leads to increased cleanliness and hygiene

So we started to find different anti microbial coating substances currently used in the hospital
industries.

The different materials that were used in antimicrobial coating are given as follows:
1.Copper
Copper has antimicrobial properties and it kills bacteria and microbes then comes in contact with
it. Thus several surgical and medical equipments are made of copper to prevent the microbes.
Also different other material where patients touch day to day like wash basin, railing or other
material which are made of metal are constructed out of copper.

But copper being a costly metal, these solution cannot be adopted of developing and
underdeveloped contries which need to tether to need of large number of population with limited
health budget.
2.Silver Ions
Silver Ions are also used to create anti microbial coating. Thus several surgical and medical
equipments are coated by silver to prevent the microbes. Also different other material where
patients touch day to day like wash basin, railing or other material which are made of metal are
constructed coated by silver ions.

But copper being a costly metal, these solution consisting of silver ions cannot be adopted of
developing and underdeveloped contries which need to tether to need of large number of
population with limited health budget.

A view of Silver ions coated instruments

3.Zinc Additives
Zinc Additives also have anti microbial properties but the process of antimicrobial activity is not
quite understood. The reason behind such properties of these additives is still unknown

Unclear process was the major reason for the rejection of the process and also zinc being costly
meathod whereas we are looking for a low cost solution
The method finally selected by us for change in environment for antimicrobial coating was

Organic Antimicrobial Additives:

The oragnic compunds mixture which posses antimicrobial and antibacterial properties are
phenolic biocides, quaternary ammonium compounds and fungicides
These organic compounds have low cost compared to copper, silver ion, zinc additives method
and also its production and application processes are quite flexible. These are the major reasons
fo the selection fo Organic Microbial Additives for antimicrobial coating.
These orgnanic compund based antimicrobial coating needes to be binded to the surface using
different ways.
Mostly a chemical called binder is attached to the oraganic chemical and thus this binder
molecule forms a strong bond with the metal or the surfacae which needs to be coated with
antimicrobial coating
FINAL COMPUND SELECTION FOR ANTI MICROBIAL COATING

So after selecting the subcategory of the Anti Microbial Coating to be used, we had to select the
organic additive which needed to be used to make the anti microbial coating.
The coating of this oragnic Additive had to follow the below given condition :

1.It should be low cost.

2.It should be made from easily available chemicals.
3.The anti microbial coating it gives should be durable and long lasting.
4.The bonding technique used to bond this oragnic additive should be easy and low cost.

To find the organic additive that we should use, we read a number of reasearch paper based to
studies and findings on the use of diffferent organic additives used for creating anti microbial
coating

From all these literature survey to find a suitable organic additive which can be used and also
meet our above given conditions we found on in the following given research Paper

Research Paper –
Surface Grafted Antimicrobial Polymer Networks with High Abrasion
Resistance

By - Jing Gao, N. Eric Huddleston, Evan M. White, Jitendra Pant,Hitesh Handa, and Jason
Locklin
Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
School of Biological and Biochemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
30602, United States
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Georgia 30597, United States
In the above given research paper an organic additive called BPAM which is mixture of
benzophenone and quaternary ammonium compunds was used to create the anti microbial
coating.

The reason for selectin this research paper as our source material was

1.Its unique bonding technique which was ultra low cost and easily availble.

2.The bonding technique used in this paper to bind the antimicrobial coating to the surface was
UV light.

3.The UV light used here was responsbile for photocatalytic crosslinking reaction of the
benzophenone present in the mixure with the surface of the substance forming a very strong
covalent bond.

4.The amount of UV radition required was very low and exposure to UV radition for only about
2 minutes interval is needed fot the bonding of anti microbial layer to the surfcae

Working of Anti Microbial coating of BPAM

SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS PROPOSED

The characteristics of BPAM solution selected for Anti Microbial Coating are summarized below
1.BPAM contains a dodecyl substituted quaternary ammonium group that endows the molecule
with potent antimicrobial activity and benzophenone as a photoreactive cross-linker.

2.A long alkyl chain (C12) was chosen because it increases the hydrophobicity of the positively
charged network and consequently maintains the hydrophilic−hydrophobic balance needed for
high antimicrobial activity.

3The BP chromophore reacts with any surface that contains a C−H group through hydrogen
abstraction followed by C−C
4.The BPAM molecule itself is thermally stable (degradation temperature is above 140 °C) and
chemically stable under ambient conditions.

So now we have a coating Additive that is BPAM

TWO MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED BY US
The two major challenges faced by us were
1.Method of application of Anti Microbial Coating on the Surface
2.Method of Exposing the Surface to Ultraviolet Radiation

DIFFERENT WAYS OF APPLICATION OF COATING ON THE SURFACE

1.Spraying using Spray Bottles

One of the most easiest way would be fill the BPAM solution in a suitable size spray bottles and
spray in on the surfaces where we want the Anti Microbial Coating to be applied.

Advantages :
a.Simple and easy to use
Spray bottles and simple devices which are very easy to use.

b.Low cost
The cost of simple spray bottle is very less, hence it is low cost and affordable method

Disdvantages :
a.Uniform Coating not achieved
The application using normal spray would not give uniform thickness of layer throughtout the
surface

b.Not suitable for appliaction to Large Equipments

Normal size spray bottles will not be suitable of application of Anti Microbial Layer to large
equipments. They are usefeull for small areas like beds, doors, door handle.

c.Time Consuming
Application of Anti Microbial Coating using the Normal Spray Bottles would require time for
large areas
2.Spraying using Spray Gun
The Spray gun has a nozzle, liquid tank, and air compressor. When the trigger is pressed the
liquid mixes with the compressed air stream and is released in a fine spray. In this the flow rate
of liquid can be adjusted.This is modification of spray bottle but has many advantages over it

Advantages :
a.Unifrom Coating Achieved
The application using Spray Gun for gives uniform thickness of layer throughtout the surface

b.Flow rate of BPAM can be controlled

Since the spray gun has options for controlling the flow rate we adjust it according to the need

c.Suitable for Large Areas

This method is suitable for appliation to large areas

Disdvantages :
a.Electricity Requiement
The application using normal spray would not give uniform thickness of layer throughtout the
surface.
3.Dip Coating Method
Coating by dipping the equipment in the liquid can also be used This method is a very simple
method for coating the surfaces.

Advantages :
a.Simple and easy to use
Spray bottles and simple devices which are very easy to use.

b.Zero cost
The cost is zero as no mechanism is being installed to dip. It is done manually

c.Suitable for Surgical equiments and other small equiments

This method is suitable for small equipments as they can be dipped easily

Disdvantages :
a.Not suitable for large area application
Dippiing method cannot be used for Large equipments which need to be coated

b.Not suitable for static equipments

This methods cannot be used for equipments which are not moved from the places
4.Painting
Coating by painting the equipment in the liquid can also be used. This is a traditional method
and is a very simple method for coating the surfaces.

Advantages :
a.Simple and easy to use
Spray bottles and simple devices which are very easy to use.

b.Low cost
It only requires brush, hence it is low cost method.

c.Suitable for Large and immovable equipment

This method is suitable for large and immovable as they can be easily painted using a brush

Disdvantages :
a.Large amount of Liquid required
The liquid required is ver high

b.Not suitable for very small equipments

This methods cannot be used for equipments which are very small or the ones where hand cannot
reach
DIFFERENT WAYS OF EXPOSING THE SURFACE TO ULTRAVIOLET RAYS

1.Exposure to Sunlight
Coating by painting the equipment in the liquid can also be used. This is a traditional method
and is a very simple method for coating the surfaces.

Advantages :
a.Simple and easy to use
The coated material has to be simply put under sunlight

b.Zero cost
It is zero cost method

c.Suitable for Large and immovable equipment

This method is suitable for large and immovable as they can be easily painted using a brush

Disdvantages :
a.Cannot be used for immovable equipments
The equipments to which cannot be moved into sunlight cannot be bonded by this method

b.Only be doen during daytime

This cannot be done during night
2.Exposure through UV bulbs
Small UV bulbs of 11 w power are available at very cheap. When the complete place has been
applied the antimicrobial this bulb can be illuminated and used for bonding of BPAM layer with
the surface.

Advantages :
a.Simple and easy to use
The use of UV bulb is very simple and effective.

b.Low cost
Since the investment in bulb is only one time, an investment of Rs 300 for the bulb is very low.

c.Suitable when a large place has to be irradiated

This method is suitable for irradiating large place with solar radiation.

Disdvantages :
a.Cannot be used for interior places where light of bulb cannot reach
This method has the disadvantage of not being able to be used for interior places of equipment
where light of bulb source cannot reach
2.Exposure to Uv light using blacklight torches
Blacktorches emitting UV radiation can be found easily in the market at low cost. This is a
mobile source of UV light and can used for bonding of BPAM with the given surface

Advantages :
a.Simple and easy to use
The use of Blacklight torches is very simple and effective.

b.Suitable when a difficult to reach places need to be irradiated

This method is suitable for irradiating places which are difficult to reach like interior of
equipments.

Disdvantages :
a.Costly
This method has the disadvantage of being somewhat costly over other methods with the price of
torch being around Rs 1000
COSTING OF ANTIMICROBIAL COATING
The costing is done for the manufacture of 100 ml solution

Rs 5.84 - Cyclohexane (100ml)

Rs 41.2 - NBS (6g)

Rs 2.33- AIBN (1g)

Rs 25.4 - 4 methylbenzophenone (6g)

Rs 15.1- dimethyldodecylamine ( 1.7 ml, 6.5 mmol)

Rs 2.1 - tert amyl alcohol (15 ml)

The above cost of chemical are taken from https://www.sigmaaldrich.com in which the cost of
given size was and the cost of required material was found out.

Thus the cost comes to Rs 91.2 for these chemical.

Processing
These chemicals need to be heated together for 30 min to reduce the solution to 100 ml

Total Cost BPAM solution after including Processing cost – Rs 100/100ml

The different ways in which our Antimicrobial coating were avaialble were :
1.Spray Bottle (250 ml)
Cost of liquid – Rs 250
Cost of bottle - Rs 100

Total Cost – Rs 350

Spray Bottle (250ml)

2.Liquid Solution (1L)

Cost of liquid – Rs 1000
Cost of bottle - Rs 200

Total Cost – Rs 1200

Liquid Solution (1L)

Business Model

Executive Summary:

In these next few page(s) our business plan is summarized. The consumer problem is addressed
and our solution for it is presented. By means of our business model and our keys to success, the
ways in which our venture will be profitable is explained.

The Problem and solution:

As we have stated above the disinfection is very necessary in the hospitals. Due to unhygienic
conditions in the hospitals many have to suffer. So, we were trying to build up a solution to serve
this problem. The solutions we came up is using an antimicrobial agent Quarternary
Ammonium compounds. This agent will be in a small spray bottle (as spraying is the optimum
solution)and also available as Liquid Solution( 1L). You spray it on the infected surface and
allow it to bind under UV light. By doing this you disinfect the surface and you can sit in
comfort without worrying about hygienic problems. It is easy to use and applicable in any
situation.
Value Proposition :

Our first goal is to make the spray available in stores at hospitals. Although the owners of
hospitals clean their public restrooms, patient rooms, wards, washrooms regularly. As a visitor or
patient you are never sure of how clean the premises really are. People use them all day long and
they do not get cleaned after every patron’s visit. By giving the hospitals the ability to control the
hygiene during a restroom visit by people, they are always assured of a hygienic restroom stop.
Medical stores represent an ideal point-of-sale for The Spray bottle.

By letting the hospitals use this spray, a positive side effect is that the hospital get an
extra disinfectant cleaning, reducing the chances of unhealthy bacteria, viruses, spores and
fungus growth. So spray is not only a disinfectant spray, which assures cleanliness for the user,
but also reduces the chances of growth for health-infecting bacteria, viruses, spores and fungus.

Our second goal is to get this spray and binding torch available to each ward of hospital
like general ward, OPD, etc. These hospitals will offer their patients a clean visit, but also have a
small shop where hygiene supplies like tissues, soaps are available for purchase.

Our third goal is to sell the spray at general medical stores. People also like to make their
daily life disinfected. They would like to make their clothes germ free.

Our fourth goal is to sell the spray in shops who target travelers, backpackers and tourist.
Travelers, backpackers and tourist are people who are on the move, people who do not have any
idea about the hygienic conditions in other town. The shops will give the tourists a safety
measures while travelling.

The final way of selling our product is via our website. Businesses or promoters can
contact us, and buy large quantities that they can re-sell or give away to their customers.
Individuals can buy the spray for their personal use. On our website there is an option, which
makes it possible for customers to order the amount of bottles they want.

This will provide us with additional feedback and will help us recover a part of the first
investment.
Keys to success :

Our keys to success lay in identifying important product attributes and in production and
marketing.

 Product attributes: The Spray is easy to use and creates great comfort for the consumer.
 Production: The product itself consists of a bottle, a disinfectant fluid and a label. For
each of those separate elements, we have found suppliers who can deliver us the separate
elements for the lowest price possible. Our disinfectant fluid is purchased from Company
(A) which is a chemical manufacturing company. The disinfectant fluid purchased from
them is called BPAM. The layout for labels is created by us and printed by Company (B),
a sticker printing agency. For an example of the sticker see. Finally, the bottles are
purchased from Company (C).
 Marketing: We must promote The spray bottle in such a way that the end consumer will
not see it as a crude disinfectant, but as a sophisticated luxurious product that will enrich
people’s comfort. We must convince them of our Unique Selling Points By doing
business with us, they enhance their customer-friendly and hygienic conscious image,
and earn extra profit. By partnering with us to add their own brand or logo on bottles,
corporate clients can use The spray bottle products for promotional purposes. In
chronological order, these are the most important decisions which have to be made.

• Find suppliers/manufacterors for:

• Disinfectant fluid
• Bottles
Production of Spay • Labels
bottles & liquid
• Assamble the spray
solution

• Create website
• Contact hospitalls
• Contact medical store owners
• Contact drugstore owners
Marketing
• Promote the spray

• At hospitals
• At public medical stores
• At shops for travellers, tourists & backpackers
Sales • Through the website
Product or services Line :

Features -

The Spray bottle :

Tentatively, the standard size of the spray bottle is 250 ml However, in the future bigger or
smaller sizes might become available, depending on the success of the product. The amount of
use you can get from a 250 ml bottle is an estimated 200 uses. The idea behind the sizes is that
they will fit along with your other daily bottles.

For the bottle we have chosen to work with the packaging company (D). The composition of the
spray is very simple. The bottle consists of a plastic, transperant container with a one-time
clip-on spray-top where the substance sprays out. We have chosen for a removable top which
will make the refilling easy for the consumers.

The Antimicrobial Solution:

The main ingredient of the substance is a mixture of Cyclohexane, NBS, AIBN, 4-

methylbenzophenone, dimethyldimethyldodecylamine, tert amyl alcohol. Not often used in
other sanitizing products. The overall mixture of the compounds is known BPAM. For the
substance we have chosen to work with the well-known and thus far reliable company (A), who
will be the leading company in producing Quarternary ammonium compounds.

(Properties of _compounds)Pure BPAM very easily irritates the skin and eyes, so the spay shall
not contain pure BPAM. The concentration of BPAM will be about 90%, safe for external use
while effectively killing 80% of bacteria. At the start, the disinfectant fluid shall be only
ingredient of the spray. However, in the long run other ingredients might be added to the spray
composition, such as fragrances. This way the product will contain refreshing scents. So each
time the consumer uses the spray, the product will not only kill bacteria, but also releases a
lovely aroma to soothe the user. In this way the spray aims to offer consumers comfort and ease.
The UV light bulb/torch:

As stated earlier the mean of binding the solution is UV radiation. This can be directly obtained
from sunlight. But as this should not be the only source and its availability at every place and
time, we have decided to purchase a UV bulb or portable UV torch.

The label :

The label of the bottle will be a sticker that illustrates the product’s name and logo, a brief
description of the product, directions for use, national hazard symbols and all that the Indian
standards require to be placed on such a chemical product. The producer for our labels is
Company (B).

Price points -

To establish the price of our product we did market research by means of a surfing. Based on our
market research, potential customers are willing to spend between estimated prices of Rs. 500/-
on a portable spray disinfector.

However, we have chosen to sell our 250ml product direct to consumers for an estimated retail
price of Rs.350. This amount is based on our market survey and aur one to one interaction with
doctors.
Market and industry analysis:

Target Market-

Though Antimicrobial spray is a product that can be used by everyone and anyone who uses
public places or who has the desire to sanitize a surface, our company realizes that as a starting
company we will need to focus on specific segments. The segments we have chosen are based
on the likeliness that these groups will purchase our product as well as their need for our product.
Our team thought it wise to focus on two primary target groups at the beginning of our venture.
Our first target group will be hospitals. Though private hospitals are cleaned regularly, and
many still find the hospital premises, patient bedsheets, surgical equipments, autoclaves, etc. not
clean enough1 or still some microbes present on them. Therefore hospitals will appreciate a
portable sanitizing product for the communal hospitals. We believe that this group will have a
significant need for our product and we believe that they will have interest in buying the spray.

Our second target group for the beginning of our venture is people-on-the-go. People who travel
a lot and are on the go most days spend a lot of time using public restrooms. Therefore, we want
to make our product available to these people by placing our products at venues where people-
on-the-go regularly ends up or at the departure through the shops targeting them.
Our Strategy :

Product or service design considerations-

We had to make a few decisions about the product. In the first place the size. Due to the
availability of bottle sizes in the India we have chosen for the size of 250ml. Our first goal was to
go smaller, but because of the difficulties with the delivery of small size bottles we have chosen
the 250ml size.

The second decision we had to make was which type of material to use for the bottles.
We had two options, glass or plastic, and we chose plastic. This is because it’s cheaper to
purchase, it’s stronger and lighter in weight. We’ve also chosen for a spray-top. This was an
easy choice for us because it is easy and fast to use. When we had chosen for another type of
closure, the product would be less useable.

The third decision we made was the choice of substance. We have chosen for an
Disinfecting liquid base substance called BPAM produced by Company (A). This substance
consists of 80% alcohol. It’s effective against viruses, bacteria, spores and funguses. BPAM is
biodegradable and contains no allergic substances like gluten. It is also safe to use and not very
aggressive to the skin.

The final thing we had to think about was our brand name. We all agreed that the
product should have a luxury image. We had to choose a name that connected with this luxury.
The spray bottle. We also came up with a subtitle: Spray, bind, Sit. The title and subtitle covers
what the product is, without being too straight to the point.
Sales Locations and Target Areas:

The sales process -

We have to approach (a few of) these parties in the near future:

 Hospitals: Our main goal is to get the spray bottle sold in camping stores. Therefore we
will be contacting lots of them to do business. Our first focus is on the sites adjacent to
our homes.
 Companies: We can also try to require agreements with companies. They can use it as a
promotional item to enhance their hygienic conscious image or to sell it for a profit.
 Stores: Our focus is on stores who target travelers, tourists (tourist shops or small
boutiques) and backpackers or campers
 Consumers: Via our website consumers can buy our product.
 Fairs: Fairs like a fair where all kind of housekeeping product are being sold also might
be a venue for us.

Marketing and sales strategy :

The marketing strategy defines the measures we will employ to reach the objectives set out in the
marketing plan – which will result in sales. These measures can be grouped under the 4Ps of
marketing:

 Product: What characteristics must our product have to meet the relevant customer
needs?
When we take a look at our target market, we think that women in particular are our
target group. To make sure these women will buy our product, we have to create an
image that is user friendly and distinctive and not create an image which yells toilet seat
disinfectant. Therefore our product name has to show some luxury and sophistication, as
well as the bottle, the sticker and the website. It is important to keep it subtle. The design
of the sticker shouldn’t be too full / busy. In this way, we hope to meet the needs of the
customer.
 Our second target group is people who are on the move, like travelers, tourists and
backpackers. This group is constantly moving around; therefore they come in situations
where they have to use the public restroom more often. This could be cheap hotels or
hostels, train stations, airports, museums or other public areas. Also this group of people
more likely to visit countries with low standards of restroom hygiene.

 Price: What price can we ask for our product, and what goal are we pursuing with our
pricing strategy? The Rs.1200 is a reasonable price for the 250mlbottle for single use on
the equipment and have long time effect. This price is partly determined by the costs, and
partly by the questionnaires. Company(C) charges Rs.100/- for 250ml (with shipping
costs). We want to set a lower price because that will put us at an advantage against these
competitors. It is possible for us to lower the price like to Rs.100/- but margins will then
be too small to make real profit in this minor. Rs.1200/- is still a very reasonable price
and we might be able to penetrate the market quickly with this low price. We’re the first
company that provides this product, so we might generate as much profit from our
product as quickly as possible, before we encounter direct competitors (not substitutes)
on the market.

 Place: How are we going to reach customers with our product? Information about our
Distribution strategy is given in the subsequent part.

 Promotion: What means of communication will we use to convince our customers of the
benefit of our product?To get noticed, we must advertise, provide information and create
confidence. There are several ways of getting our customer’s attention:
o We can try to get an article published in a magazine or newspaper. We currently
have an option for the magazine India Today which is read by most of the people
in India.
o We can contact fairs and ask if we can advertise at these fairs, or even get a stand
where we can sell our product.
o Direct marketing: via e-mail we can send our target group an e-mail about our
product. In this e-mail we can tell about our product and refer to our website.
 Ways of attaining these e-mail addresses is by going to the websites of our
potential clients like those from Hospitals, medical stores and other companies
and use the e-mail addresses provided there.
o Word-of-mouth advertisement: when people are content with our product, they’ll
tell others about the spray.

Distribution Strategy:
One of our main focuses is the distribution of 250ml spray bottles in hospitals to shops who
target Hospitals. Hygiene is especially a big problem at places with many public places. Because
of the amount of people visiting these places it’s very hard to keep them clean. Hospitals are a
perfect example for this problem but also hostels and airports. Because of our low product price
and we will be giving the UV light with the spray in a pack our goal is to sell directly to the
storeowners so we can sell large quantities at a time.

After establishing a stable market position and a well-known brand name we would
expand to other distribution channels. And even though a cleaning company cleans the area there
is still a big hygiene and comfort problem. The cleaning of these places happens mostly once a
day. This means that at the end of the day the hospitals are dirty and non-hygienic. By buying
our product, the companies can offer more hygiene and comfort and give their clients and/or
employees a much more pleasant experience.

Our online distribution will happen through our web shop. Our product would be sold directly to
the end customer, or to ‘third’ party retail businesses’ like medical stores, hospitals, and
corporate facilities planners.

Sources of competitive edge:

In the long run, it is our goal to lower costs and make more profit. Bottle and sticker unit costs
drop when these items are purchased in larger orders (e.g. 1000 bottles). Then we want to lower
the price, or just keep margins high. Also, we’re going to try to serve many different target
groups in the long run. We will begin with the 250mlbottles, but later on we will experiment
with other sizes. This can also generate a competitive advantage, because we will be developing
competencies in marketing (i.e. understanding which product lines fit which markets).
Expansion Plan :

1.Our first and most important expansion should be the expansion to other target markets. Right
now we are focusing on the hospitals and medical stores.

2.And secondly on the locations where people-on-the-go will most likely visit (stores for
backpackers and tourist, gas stations, etc.).

3.If everything goes well we can expand to drugstores and festivals. We can also make our
products available at other venues for people-on-the-go, by adding the spray to the product
vending machines found in airports and other popular locations.

4.Another possible expansion plan for our business model is to expand to other target groups
with the need for our product. To extend our market we can also place the focus on children
specifically, and create child-friendly versions in our product line.

Conclusion:

1. Using the Spray bottles and LiquidSolution we have proposed will be the better method of
disinfection with long time effect.

2. There is possibility of stabilization of this product in the market.

REFERENCES

(1)Surface Grafted Antimicrobial Polymer Networks with High Abrasion Resistance

Jing Gao,N. Eric Huddleston, Evan M. White, Jitendra Pant, Hitesh Handa, and Jason Locklin

(2)Polymeric Antimicrobial Coatings Based on Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

Denisa Druvari 1, Nikos D. Koromilas 1,2, Vlasoula Bekiari 3, Georgios Bokias 1,2 and
Joannis K. Kallitsis 1,2,*

(3) https://www.biocote.com

(4) https://www.sigmaaldric.com

(5) Self-stratifying antimicrobial coatings by Technische Unsiversity of Technology

(6) https://www.cost.eu

(7)www.indianchemical.com

(8) Antimicrobial Coating Innovation (https://www.tdinfo.com)

(9) https://www.protectiveindustrypolymer.com

(10) https://www.cmmoline.com

(11) https://www.slideshare.com

(12) https://www.antimicorbialcopper.com

(13) The Pub Chem Project - https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

(14) https://www.pub.rsc.org