UGA revolutionizes hand sanitizers with a new nitric oxide-based formula

USA – University of Georgia (UGA) researchers have developed a novel hand sanitizer gel called NORel, which is based on nitric oxide (NO), a molecule naturally occurring in the body known for its infection-fighting properties. 

This new sanitizer offers significant advantages over traditional alcohol-based sanitizers by providing long-lasting antimicrobial protection.

According to the researchers, NORel kills more than 97% of bacteria and fungi, including antibiotic-resistant strains.

Unlike typical alcohol-based hand sanitizers that lose most of their effectiveness within 30 to 60 minutes as the alcohol evaporates, NORel maintains effective antimicrobial activity for up to two hours after application. 

This extended protection is due to the sustained presence of nitric oxide lingering on the skin, which delivers a persistent antimicrobial effect.

The gel formulation is fortified with additional antimicrobial and moisturizing ingredients such as ethanol, tea tree oil, and glycerin, which help maintain skin moisture while enhancing antimicrobial properties. 

Researchers highlight NORel’s potential, particularly in high-risk environments such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, where prolonged protection against pathogens is critical.

The lead researcher, Elizabeth Brisbois, an associate professor in UGA’s College of Engineering, emphasized the importance of the persistent antimicrobial action of nitric oxide on skin, marking it as the most exciting result of their study.

She stated, “Regular hand sanitizers with alcohol in them do a pretty good job at killing bacteria when you apply them initially.” 

“We showed that the nitric oxide persists on the skin for a longer period, so it’s kind of an extended protective effect. That was the most exciting result.”

NORel’s antimicrobial efficacy is comparable to commercial hospital-grade hand sanitizers containing 62% ethyl alcohol. 

The research was published in the journal Biomaterials Science and was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the NIH.

Future research plans include testing NORel’s effectiveness against other pathogens, such as COVID-19 and improving the gel’s shelf life and stability at room temperature.

The study demonstrated that NORel has high stability when stored at lower temperatures and that its nitric oxide release levels can be tailored by modifying the gel composition.

This innovative nitric oxide-based hand sanitizer presents a promising alternative to conventional alcohol-based sanitizers by offering enhanced, longer-lasting protection while also addressing issues of skin dryness and the short-lived activity of alcohol products, potentially transforming hand hygiene practices, especially in healthcare settings.

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