- 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.