Selected
2020 Health Security & Pandemics

Jute-based biodegradable PPE

Jute-polymer based, recyclable, biodegradable, oligo-chitosan coated personal protective equipment for healthcare workers

Team Leader
Mehjabin Tishan Mahfuz
Jute-polymer based, recyclable, biodegradable, oligo-chitosan coated personal protective equipment for healthcare workers

The Problem

The current stockpile of PPE is insufficient to meet the requirements of a global health disaster. Conventional PPE is also often single-use and non-degradable, contributing to environmental pollution globally.

The Solution

Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan has invented a material made of jute cellulose (a plant fiber) which can be used to produce an environmentally-friendly version of personal protective equipment (PPE). This non-toxic and biodegradable material can be chemically modified to maintain its structure for days at a time while still dissolving in water when ready for disposal. Dr. Khan and his team at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh are experimenting with coating these sheets with chitosan (a nontoxic and biodegradable polysaccharide derived from prawn shells) which has antimicrobial properties, for added protection against pathogens.

Stats

500 individuals have interacted with Jute-based biodegradable PPE through trial, demonstration, and testing activities.

What is the name of your organization?
icddr,b
What is the name of your solution?
Jute-based biodegradable PPE
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Jute-polymer based, recyclable, biodegradable, oligo-chitosan coated personal protective equipment for healthcare workers
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Dhaka
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
—
What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
—
What specific problem are you solving?
The current stockpile of PPE is insufficient to meet the requirements of a global health disaster. Conventional PPE is also often single-use and non-degradable, contributing to environmental pollution globally.
What is your solution?
Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan has invented a material made of jute cellulose (a plant fiber) which can be used to produce an environmentally-friendly version of personal protective equipment (PPE). This non-toxic and biodegradable material can be chemically modified to maintain its structure for days at a time while still dissolving in water when ready for disposal. Dr. Khan and his team at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh are experimenting with coating these sheets with chitosan (a nontoxic and biodegradable polysaccharide derived from prawn shells) which has antimicrobial properties, for added protection against pathogens.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
The PPE is targeted primarily towards the healthcare providers who come in contact with infectious patients. This single-use PPE will protect both the caregivers and prevent transmission of infection from one patient to another. The lack of proper protection to first-responders and other caregivers puts them at a greater risk as well increases the likelihood of infecting the caregivers and other healthy persons in their contact. The recent covid-19 pandemic has put many doctors and medical professionals under quarantine after potential exposure to infected patients. We will modify the designs based on their feedback to develop a comfortable, functional, and acceptable PPE from jute polymer. Given the proper funding and opportunity, the jute cellulose sheets can be coated with chitosan and sealed with heat or other bio-sealants in the shape of PPE.

Organization Type:
Nonprofit

Headquarters:
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Stage:
Prototype

Working In:
Bangladesh

Solution Website:
https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/health-security-pandemics/solutions/20318

Solution Team:
Mehjabin Tishan Mahfuz
Mehjabin Tishan Mahfuz
Research Investigator