<p>Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a technique of using light to kill bacteria that causes water-borne infections.<br /><br /></p>.<p> This could replace the existing methods of killing such bacteria by boiling or using UV (ultraviolet) light, which are both expensive and energy-intensive. <br /><br />According to a press release from IISc, the team of scientists headed by Prof Jayant Modak, deputy director, along with a professor from the department of chemical engineering, has created a new type of photocatalyst (a material that speeds up the chemical reaction). The new technique replaces the conventional photocatalysts that are activated using UV light with visible light-assisted photocatalysts. <br /><br />A paper on the new method to purify water was published in the journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry. <br /><br />While a lot of work still needs to be done to translate this study into practical applications, it highlights the potential to use visible light as an antimicrobial agent.<br /> <br />The release highlighted that despite pure drinking water being universally considered as a basic human right, nations have struggled to provide it to citizens. <br /><br />One of the main reasons behind this inability is the cost of water purification. <br /><br />Conventional methods are often expensive and their implementation requires a very large area.<br /> </p>
<p>Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a technique of using light to kill bacteria that causes water-borne infections.<br /><br /></p>.<p> This could replace the existing methods of killing such bacteria by boiling or using UV (ultraviolet) light, which are both expensive and energy-intensive. <br /><br />According to a press release from IISc, the team of scientists headed by Prof Jayant Modak, deputy director, along with a professor from the department of chemical engineering, has created a new type of photocatalyst (a material that speeds up the chemical reaction). The new technique replaces the conventional photocatalysts that are activated using UV light with visible light-assisted photocatalysts. <br /><br />A paper on the new method to purify water was published in the journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry. <br /><br />While a lot of work still needs to be done to translate this study into practical applications, it highlights the potential to use visible light as an antimicrobial agent.<br /> <br />The release highlighted that despite pure drinking water being universally considered as a basic human right, nations have struggled to provide it to citizens. <br /><br />One of the main reasons behind this inability is the cost of water purification. <br /><br />Conventional methods are often expensive and their implementation requires a very large area.<br /> </p>
