While there may still be many questions about the coronavirus and we learn something new about it every day, one thing is for sure: around the world we are all together trying to fight this pandemic on different fronts. One of them is technology and the Chileans have realized that in this field innovation cannot wait. Get to know some of them here!
Alpacas Help Tackle the Global Health Crisis
A group of scientists from the Medical Biotechnology Laboratory at the Universidad Austral de Chile, led by Dr. Alejandro Rojas, has discovered an antibody in alpacas that they believe is the most potent in the world for fighting the coronavirus. Antibodies from alpacas and other camelids are simpler than those of other mammals. As a result, genetic information can be extracted from just a single, very small drop of blood. The gene can then be isolated and produced in bioreactors in unlimited quantities. The team’s goal is to create an antiviral nasal spray that would neutralize COVID-19 in humans.
A coronavirus vaccine-
, Chilean researcher Alexis Kalergis and his team are working on a prototype vaccine that could combat the COVID-19 virus. Preclinical trials are currently underway, and human trials are expected to begin early next year. Chile is one of a select group of countries working to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus, demonstrating the value of Chilean talent, innovation, and scientific activity.
Disinfecting spaces with ozone
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ideas have continued to flow. The Electrical Engineering Department at the Universidad Católica has developed a low-cost ozone generator prototype that quickly disinfects spaces such as ambulances, operating rooms, and medical and dental treatment rooms. Ozone can cover the entire area, eliminating any traces of the coronavirus.
Learn morehere
Chilean Company Adapts to the Health Crisis
The Chilean textile company Monarch, known for its stockings, socks, and underwear, completely halted production in early March in order to devote itself entirely to manufacturing reusable masks and thus provide a form of support during this health crisis we are facing. In addition to striving to keep its workers employed, this initiative also sought to continue along the path Monarch has been taking in using copper in its garments. Thanks to copper’s antibacterial properties, when these masks made with copper fiber come into contact with warmth and humidity, they release copper ions that eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and mold
Find out morehere!
Supporting medical personnel with water-soluble solutions
Solubag, the company that created the bags that dissolve in water, has developed a laundry bag that makes it possible to avoid touching the clothes of people who may be infected with the coronavirus. Since they are 100% water-soluble, they can be placed in the washing machine without having to touch the garments, thereby reducing the spread of infection in hospitals and clinics. In this way, they protect both people’s health and the environment.
You can read more about this technologyhere
Modular hospitals provide support during the emergency situation
This was the idea behind Hobe, a startup well-known and recognized for manufacturing cabins for various purposes, such as hostels, and now—due to the global crisis—hospital cabins that will help isolate infected patients using the latest cleaning technology that constantly purifies and disinfects the air.
You can read more about their cabinshere
A Face Shield for Everyone
, the University of Chile’s Digital Manufacturing Laboratory (FabLab), has created and released a model for a face shield that can be 3D-printed and used to help protect against COVID-19. Surgical masks are the item in shortest supply during a crisis, and with this in mind, FabLab responded to the need by designing a face shield that is low-cost, compostable, and free for anyone to print and use. Furthermore, they are working to develop a strategy for large-scale manufacturing as the second phase of their project to combat the coronavirus.
Find your face shield and more informationhere!
Copper as a key element in the fight against the coronavirus
Coure is a family-owned business that manufactures various copper-based products, but during this period of quarantine, sales of one particular product have skyrocketed: reusable masks. These masks are made from an antibacterial fabric containing copper threads, which the company has patented as CoureTex, and they have already sold millions in Europe, China, and countries throughout the region. Their innovation has been so well received that it has been featured in various technology media outlets.
Learn more about their technologyhere!
You can learn about these and many more innovations on our social media channels. We invite you to discover them and see all of Chile’s potential with#MadeByChileans.