Self-sanitizing reusable glove via 3D-printing and common mold making method

Abstract

In health care and public health practice, it is critical to settings control practices that are critical to reducing the transmission of infections through cross-contamination. To provide protection from cross-contamination, use and throw gloves are routinely used. However, single-time use and inconsistent sanitization of used gloves remain a large problem and elevate the risk of catching viruses, germs, pathogens, and contaminants. The study reports reusable self-sanitizing gloves via 3D-printing and common hand molding methods. The major contribution is frequent self-sanitization of gloves without any manual intervention. The elastomeric material is used for fabricating gloves and continuous channels are embedded within the elastomeric material that runs through the entire glove surface, covering the front, back, and fingers. Elastomeric material allows the engagement of fingers for gripping objects. While the embedded channel is provided with uniformly spaced openings to eject the sanitizing solution. The glove surface is textured with a porous morphology that acts as mini and micro reservoirs for sterilizing solution ejected through embedded channel opening. The embedded channel is connected to a sanitizing solution storage tank. The incorporation of sanitizing solution storage tank enables its usage over a longer period. This uniquely constructed design of the gloves even assists in the effective sterilization of infected surface that comes in contact with the gloves. The gloves can be customized to improve comfortability by fabricating them from the 3D-printed mound developed based on the palm size of the user. The developed technology can be used by individuals working in hospitals, the transport sector, delivery units, schools, offices, industries, etc. We strongly believe that this technology will be highly useful in minimizing the risk of getting infected through cross-contamination and will help in maintaining hygienic as well as safe surroundings.