JERUSALEM, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli scientists have developed a new technology that produces disinfectant from simple tap water and can especially be used to prevent infections in hospitals, as published on Tuesday by Bar-Ilan University (BIU) in the center of the state.
Using the new method, bacteria can be eliminated without the environmental damage caused by existing chemical-based disinfectants.
The new disinfectant, called "the green bleach," is not harmful if drank or breathed. It even kills resistant bacteria, such as those responsible for deadly infections in hospitals.
The disinfection is done using a spray container, to which a cartridge of salt capsules is attached, and electrodes are installed inside it.
First, an electric current is transmitted through the electrodes, while the capsules fall into the tap water in the container.
Then, within 90 seconds, the electrodes use the oxygen and salt in the water to create the disinfectant.
"The new technology makes it possible to create simple, small, inexpensive and effective systems without maintenance problems," the researchers said.
The new method was tested by the researchers on foodborne bacteria, some of them resistant to antibiotics, and killed them.
The new development has already been patented by BIU in Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea and Israel.
