Prevention and Control Covid-19 using Lime and Lemon Hand Sanitizer

Abstract

This research work is aimed at developing and formulating hand sanitizer which could be used in the control and prevention of Covid-19. Lemon and lime hand sanitizer was prepared. A quarter baskets of lime and lemon was bought each from Lokoja market, they were to Salem University laboratory. The purchased lime and lemon were properly washed and blended into syrup which was used for preparation of the individual concentration of the hand sanitizer. 100 ml of isopropyl was added to 100ml Lemon juice to form the lemon (LE 100) sanitizer. 100 ml of isopropyl was added to 100ml Lime juice to form the lime (LI 100) sanitizer, and 100 ml of isopropyl was mixed with 50ml lemon and lime juice to form the (LE/LI 50/50) hand sanitizer. The antibacterial sensitivity test was carried out using the disc method, which was socked in the hand sanitizer. It was observed that the reaction of the sensitivity of the organisms to the hand  sanitizer varied. For LE 100, Micrococcus spp. was more sensitive than other Gram positive organisms with 29mm zone of inhibition. Streptococcus spp. was more sensitive to LI 100 with 31mm zone of inhibition and Bacillus spp. was more sensitive to LE/LI 50/50 with 25mm zone of inhibition. It was observed that the reaction of the sensitivity of the organisms to the hand sanitizer varied. For LE 100, Escherichia coli was more sensitive than other Gram negative organisms with 22 mm zone of inhibition. Pseudomonas aeruginosa. was more sensitive to LI 100 with 18 mm zone of inhibition and Escherichia coli was more sensitive to LE/LI 50/50 with 20mm zone of inhibition. Lemon and lime extracts have an important role as antimicrobial agents against microorganisms. They are natural, cheap, safe, and due to increase antibiotic resistance among bacteria. Lime and Lemon hand sanitizer is locally made; the materials are available with our environment. It has shown ability to inhibit the growth of most Gram positive and negative bacteria, and thus can be used in the control, prevention and management of Covid-19.