International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research

Authors
Aryan Narang

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this research is to experimentally compare the effectiveness of various hand-sanitizers, both commercial and home-made, against E. coli bacteria (Strain K-12). Method: An agar plate with E. coli bacteria plate was prepared and using sterile discs saturated with the particular anti-bacterial solution, the zones of inhibition of the different samples (4 commercial, 1 home-made, 1 control) were compared to correctly determine which solution was most effective against the particular bacteria. Results: The Wellness tree anti-bacterial gel was found to be the most effective with a zone of inhibition of diameter of 0.85cm followed by Zuci Junior with 0.75cm, Himalaya Pure Hands with 0.65cm, and Dettol with 0.60cm. The home-made solution (5/7^th 77% isopropyl alcohol + 2/7^th aloe vera gel) was found to be the weakest of all solutions with a zone of inhibition of diameter of 0.55cm, just 0.05cm outside the boundary of the circular disc (0.5cm in diameter). The control disc showed no inhibitory action. Conclusion: From the above results, we could conclude that there exist minor fluctuations in the efficacy of the different commercial hand-sanitizer and that that of the home-made solution was below that of the commercial solutions. This allows us to predict which solution would be more reactive and more effective in a bacteria-laden environment.