Innovative Nitric Oxide-Based Gel Offers Alternative to Traditional Alcohol Hand Sanitizers
A new nitric oxide-releasing gel has been developed as a powerful, long-lasting alternative to traditional alcohol-based hand sanitizers, offering better infection control especially in healthcare settings.
Researchers from the University of Georgia have developed a groundbreaking hand sanitizer gel that provides a long-lasting and effective alternative to conventional alcohol-based products. Unlike traditional sanitizers that rely solely on alcohol to kill germs and tend to evaporate quickly, this new gel, named NORel, harnesses the power of nitric oxide—a naturally occurring molecule in the human body known for its role in fighting infections.
The study, published in Biomaterials Science, demonstrates that NORel eliminates over 97% of bacteria and fungi, including antibiotic-resistant strains, and maintains antimicrobial activity for up to two hours after application. This prolonged effect surpasses traditional alcohol-based gels, which typically lose effective antimicrobial properties within 30 to 60 minutes due to evaporation.
The innovative formula combines nitric oxide release with moisturizing and antimicrobial ingredients such as ethanol, tea tree oil, and glycerin. The inclusion of nitric oxide not only enhances microbial destruction but also extends protection, making it especially promising for use in high-risk environments like hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
According to lead researcher Elizabeth Brisbois, the persistence of nitric oxide on the skin creates an extended protective effect, which could significantly improve hand hygiene practices among healthcare professionals and patients. The gel has shown equivalence in antimicrobial activity to existing commercial sanitizers containing 62% ethyl alcohol.
Future research aims to test the gel against viruses, including COVID-19, and fungi, as well as to improve its shelf-life and stability at room temperature. The development highlights a significant advancement in infection control, focusing on long-lasting antimicrobial effects and skin-friendly formulations.
This innovative sanitizer exemplifies how combining natural biochemical agents with proven antimicrobial ingredients can lead to safer, more effective hygiene solutions, potentially transforming infection prevention strategies.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-gel-alternative-alcohol-based-sanitizers.html
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