Research & Development At BTS
Research and Development
In today’s world, the competition for being ahead of the race has grown stiffer and thus, Research & Development is necessary as it plays a critical role in modernization. It is an investment in technology and imminent proficiencies which are converted into new products, processes, and services. Research has always been a vital facet for any organisation and is not restricted only to medical or science fields. Several organisations, pharmaceuticals have full-fledged R&D wing with quality control to ensure quality of product and invention of new technologies and products. This is necessary because of continuous technological development by competitors and the changing preferences of customers each day which is not probable without an R&D program.
R & D with bacteria, Fungus, algae and viruses is quite demanding with respect to time and resources but it is equally Vital during and after pandemic. Stalwarts and budding researchers have ideas to make technologies which control microbes and improve hygiene in various walks of life. These require Microbial testing step by step as R & D program till the expected outcome is achieved. QC products prepared using live microbes help establish validation of technology / product performance.
Waste Water Studies
Waste water management has become a very critical aspect for the industries and cities managing river and drainage water. Considering this, BTS offers analysis and helps conduct projects on waste-water management at our laboratory. Standards like CETP, WWT, MOef etc. are followed so as to conduct proper analysis of waste water and then help industries with its proper management and elusion. Various analysis like COD, BOD, heavy metal, chlorides, aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen content, phosphorus, etc. were carried out at our laboratory for such studies.
Laboratory experts also quantify levels of ammonia, phosphorus, and faecal coliform to assess the efficacy of the treatment process. Additional tests, which support in process regulation, comprise microscopic examinations of biomass to govern population dynamics and measurements of dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature can be carried out on site too.
Water Purifier Validation
Evaluation of water purifier intended for individual or community use for Microbiological parameters are based on US EPA or WHO procedure. These methods are designed to achieve removal or inactivation of microbiological contaminants including bacteria, virus, protozoan cysts.Validation of water purifier to substantiate its microbiological removal or inactivation capabilities over the effective use life of water purifier device are carried out. For this purpose, challenge water having specified high level of chemical parameter and bacteria, virus and cysts are filtered through the water purifier. Minimum log reduction of 6:4:3 should be established.
Validation of Sterility test & Bioburden determination
Bioburden method provides guidance on enumeration and characterization of viable microorganisms on/in healthcare products, components, raw material or packages. Validation of bioburden or sterility is a conformation process which provides objective evidence that the test method is adequate to allow microbial growth and to determine correction factor. Following standard are used ISO 11737, USP 61, European Pharmacopoeia 8.0
Volunteer based Tests
In today’s day and age, terms like “Clinically proven” or “Scientifically proven” grab the attention of consumers. Scientifically proven usually means that the quality testing is done in the laboratory while, clinically proven means that the testing is done on animals or human volunteers. Many a times for products such as hand sanitizers, shampoos, body wash, deo formulations and cosmetics, it becomes important to establish whether or not the product reduces the microbial flora to achieve the purpose. In such situations using various EN/ASTM protocols are used to assess microbial potential of the product.
Assessment of re-usability of face mask/anti-microbial masks
Masks are the only best way to keep oneself protected during the pandemic. N95/FFP2 are meant to be disposed after each use. However, a good quality mask can be a better alternative in terms of economical and environment friendly. Anti-microbial treated face masks have dual purpose viz. it does filtration as well as provides microbial reduction. Re-usability of such masks can be assessed by method based on real-life usage, incorporating principle of standard methods such as ISO 11737/42CFR84 subpart K.
Efficacy of towelette based disinfectant
Towelettes/wipes are more commonly used to clean the surface. Effective of these wipes for contaminated hard, non-porous surface can be done by microbiological methods, based on AOAC method, 961.02. Bactericidal activity of ready to use wipes can also be determined according to EN 16615 carrier standards. R&D projects can be undertaken on evaluating anti-microbial wipes on standard bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Residual sanitizing efficacy of antimicrobial wipe/disinfecting products after application to inanimate nonporous, nonfood contact hard surface.
Larvicidal experiments
Larvicidal studies are carried by BTS to determine the effectiveness of plant extracts, chemical which is used as a pesticide spray to prevent breeding of mosquitoes. Larvicidal studies are done to establish dose response on larvae with respect to contact time. It helps determine lethal concentration of the larvicide for 50% and 90% mortality (LC50 and LC90)
Air purifying systems
Our team of experts at BTS has undertaken various studies to evaluate the efficacy of air purifying systems. Ozone-based air purifier system, Hepa Filter + UV purifiers are evaluated using Bioaerosol (Bacteria and/or virus) by Environmental Technology Verification/ EPA standard. Many situations, GB and AHAM standards have been used for similar purposes. Air Cooler with Antimicrobial honeycomb for improving air quality in comparison with placebo were also validated the purpose.