Dr Anasuya Roy, an academician at IIT Delhi, once harboured an ambition to make India self-reliant in antimicrobial technology.

"India, at that point of time (2018-19), was importing all its anti-microbial technology from other countries. When we don’t have a dearth of brains, why should we be importing?" she says.

While pursuing her PhD in polymer nanotechnology, Anasuya collaborated with her supervisor, Professor Mangala Joshi, to develop a patented antimicrobial copper technology. This laid the foundation for Nanosafe Solutions, a company dedicated to indigenous antimicrobial products.

A gamechanger in the pandemic When the COVID-19 pandemic created a global mask shortage, Anasuya’s patented technology came to the rescue. She introduced ‘NSafe masks’, which turned out to be a gamechanger. The fabric-based antimicrobial face mask was made in India, reducing the need for imports.

Building on the success of NSafe masks, Nanosafe expanded into other industries. From steel bottles to water tanks, mattresses to automobiles, Anasuya’s active copper technology now spans across polymers, textiles, coatings, and more, offering innovative solutions to multiple sectors.

Nanosafe secured Rs 3.13 crore in funding through the Indian Angel Network and IIM Lucknow. This funding is set to propel their mission of creating indigenous material science solutions and reducing India’s reliance on imported niche technologies.

During her PhD course at IIT Delhi, Anusuya had a realisation — she wanted to make an impact beyond academia. “I was researching antimicrobial materials, focusing especially on polymers. The focus of my doctoral research was developing such materials.”

In 2019, Anasuya received a Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), which allowed her to turn her research into a commercial venture. The grant provided crucial support as she balanced her work in the lab with learning industrial production processes in Bawana, Delhi.

What's the technology? Why copper? Nanosafe's patented antimicrobial technology is based on active copper, a natural antimicrobial agent. "Copper is safe on all these parameters; is sustainable and is also an essential micronutrient," Anasuya explains.

“We have developed technology which stems from the traditional science that advocates the use of copper for the purification of water. We have synthesised it to act against four different microbes — bacteria, virus, fungi and algae,” shares Anasuya.

What makes Nanosafe’s technology stand out is copper’s natural antimicrobial properties. “There are many technologies based on silver. While nano silver is toxic for human consumption, copper is safe on all these parameters,” says Anasuya.

Commercialising the innovation The technology uses active copper in micro-particles, which are then used in products like textiles, plastics, and coatings. “All of our formulations are substantiated across different ISO and ASTM testing standards with consistent 99.99% antimicrobial activity,” she shares proudly.

While selling masks, Anasuya was introduced to her co-founder Nirav Mehta, who suggested diversifying into other industries. They then expanded to plastic and polymer materials, beginning with water tanks and pipes prone to microbial infections.

Nanosafe’s groundbreaking technology has earned significant recognition, including the National Startup Award 2023 and the National Technology Excellence Award 2022.

Looking forward, Anasuya aims to make Nanosafe a leader in material science. “We are working on building other niche technologies to champion the cause of import substitution and export promotion,” she says.