Alpacas to help the global health crisis
A group of scientists from the Medical Biotechnology Laboratory of the U. Austral de Chile, led by Dr. Alejandro Rojas, found the world's strongest alpaca antibody to combat the coronavirus, according to the researchers. The antibodies of alpacas and camelids are simpler than those of other mammals. Thanks to this, they were able to extract the genetic information with a very small drop of blood, to subsequently isolate that gene and produce it infinitely in bioreactors. The team's goal is to create an antiviral in the form of a nasal inhaler to neutralize the action of COVID-19 in humans.
A vaccine against coronavirus
National researcher Alexis Kalergis and his team are working on a prototype vaccine that could combat the COVID-19 virus. Currently, they are carrying out preclinical trials and, at the beginning of next year, human trials will begin. In this way, Chile joins a select group of countries that are working on the development of a vaccine against the coronavirus, placing value on science, innovation and Chilean talent.
Disinfecting spaces with ozone
In times of COVID-19, ideas do not stop. The Electrical Engineering Department of the Catholic University developed a prototype of a low-cost ozone generator, which can quickly disinfect environments such as ambulances, wards and medical and dental care boxes, covering the entire volume of the room and eliminating the presence of coronaviruses.
Learn more here
Chilean talent adapting in times of health crisis
The Chilean textile company Monarch, known for its stockings, socks and underwear, stopped its production completely at the beginning of March, in order to dedicate itself one hundred percent to the manufacture of reusable masks and thus support in some way the sanitary crisis we are currently experiencing. This initiative, in addition to seeking to maintain the jobs of its workers, also seeks to follow the path that Monarch has taken in the use of copper in its garments. Due to its antibacterial power, these masks made with copper threads, when in contact with temperature and humidity, generate copper ions that eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and fungi.
Find out more here!
Supporting medical personnel with water-soluble solutions
Solubag, the same creators of the bags that dissolve in water, have developed a laundry bag that prevents contact with the clothes of those infected by coronavirus. As they are 100% water-soluble, they can be put in the washing machine without touching the garments and thus reduce the contagion in hospitals and clinics, so that in addition to protecting health, the environment is also protected.
You can read more about this technology here
Modular hospitals as contingency support
This is the idea that moved Hobe, a well-known and recognized start-up, to create cabins for different purposes, such as shelters and now, in the face of the global crisis, hospital cabins that would help isolate infected patients with the latest in cleaning technology that permanently purifies and disinfects the air.
Read more about their cabins here
A face shield for everyone
The Digital Fabrication Laboratory of the University of Chile (FabLab) has created and released a 3D printing model of a face shield that would help in the protection against COVID-19. Surgical masks are the most scarce supplies in the face of a crisis and with this in mind, Fablab responded to this need by designing a face shield that would be low cost, compostable and free for anyone to print for their use. In addition to this, they are looking to generate a mass production strategy, which would be the second stage of their project to combat the coronavirus.
Find their shield and more information here!
Copper as a key element against the coronavirus
Coure is a family company that manufactures various products with copper, but in times of quarantine the sale of one product in particular skyrocketed: reusable masks. They are made of an antibacterial fabric with copper threads that they patented as CoureTex and have already sold millions in Europe, China and other countries in the region. Their innovation has been so well accepted that it has been reported in several technology media.
Find out more about their technology here!
These and many more innovations can be found in our social networks, we invite you to discover them and see the full potential of Chile with #MadeByChileans.
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