TNPSC Thervupettagam

Topical Gel to Protect Farmers

March 18 , 2019 2080 days 795 0
  • Researchers in Bengaluru have developed a gel for the skin to protect agricultural workers from harmful pesticide sprays.
  • The base of the gel is chitosan, a natural substance extracted from the waste shells of crabs and shrimps, with that they added a nucleophile and few aqua reagents to get the consistency and desired pH.
  • This gel was found to cleave a wide range of commercially available pesticides before they enter the bloodstream, thus reducing the pesticide-induced enzyme inhibition.

Harmful effects of Pesticides

  • Organophosphate pesticides bring about the inhibition of important enzymes (AChE) of the human body.
  • It can affect the functioning of nervous system, heart, immunity, and even the reproductive system.

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