In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, scientists from Panjab University in Chandigarh, India have engineered an innovative solution to decrease infections in hospital environments. They have developed a unique paint additive that combats harmful bacteria on common surfaces such as walls, beds, and hospital furniture, significantly contributing to in-patient safety. This ground-breaking additive was officially recognized with an Indian patent on December 31, 2025.
The inception of this anti-bacterial paint technology was a collaborative effort during the Covid-19 pandemic, envisioned and executed under the leadership of Gaurav Verma from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology. Other critical members of the team included Avneet Saini of the Department of Biophysics, Shubhi Joshi, and MSc student Deeksha Sharma. Their collective expertise and unified efforts have successfully pioneered this non-toxic material, whose quality to not dissipate into the surroundings further ensures its suitability for indoor hospital environments.
The conception of this inventive solution came at a time when hospital-acquired infections posed a severe threat to patients’ lives, particularly during the devastating delta wave of 2021-22. These infections were frequently transmitted via commonly contacted surfaces, leading to serious complications such as black fungus. This highlighted the importance of creating a safer and hygienic environment within medical facilities.
Shubhi Joshi’s journey reflects the ingenious persistence behind this discovery. Despite topping the Panjab University’s PhD entrance examination, she was unable to secure a spot in her chosen field. However, Gaurav Verma welcomed her into his lab, where she began working with nanomaterials, microscopic substances that eventually played an integral part in developing the anti-bacterial paint additive. Although the Covid-19 pandemic posed several challenges, they adhered to safety protocols and consistently continued their work.
Currently, Shubhi Joshi is an ICMR Woman Scientist, maintaining her collaboration with the Panjab University research team. Gaurav Verma’s belief in the potential of every student to conduct significant scientific research and the inherent role science plays in benefiting society, underpins their collaborative endeavor. He strongly advocates for the combined aesthetic and life-saving capabilities of this innovative paint technology.