NEW DELHI – In a move that could revolutionize personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have developed an innovative mosquito-repellent detergent. This groundbreaking product, available in both liquid and powder forms, promises a longer-lasting and more convenient defense compared to traditional methods like creams, sprays, and roll-ons.
The IIT Delhi team, led by Professor Javed Nabibaksha Sheikh from the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, recognized the limitations of existing mosquito repellents. Topical solutions often lose effectiveness throughout the day due to factors like sweating and abrasion, requiring frequent reapplication. To address this, they created a "smart detergent" designed to impart mosquito-repelling properties to clothing during the regular wash cycle.
The detergent's effectiveness lies in its unique ability to bind active components to fabric fibers. These components work by affecting the smell and taste sensors of mosquitoes, making the treated fabric unattractive to them. As Professor Sheikh explains, this innovative approach offers a practical layer of protection, especially for those in high-risk regions where mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya are prevalent. The detergent retains normal wash-care properties while adding a protective layer against mosquitoes.
To evaluate the detergent's efficacy, the researchers conducted rigorous testing using the "hand-in-cage" method, a standard procedure in mosquito-repellent research. Volunteers placed their hands, covered with fabrics washed using the new detergent, inside a cage filled with starved mosquitoes. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in mosquito landings on the treated fabrics compared to untreated ones. In laboratory evaluations, mosquito landings were reduced by 70-90% on treated fabrics.
"We have developed smart detergents to protect people from dangerous mosquito-borne diseases," said Professor Sheikh. "The products have been tested in a commercial laboratory and have proven effective at repelling mosquitoes".
The implications of this innovation are far-reaching. By integrating mosquito repellent into the laundry process, the IIT Delhi team has created a convenient and sustainable solution that requires no change in daily habits. Each wash regenerates the repellent effect, ensuring consistent performance over time. This is particularly important because mosquitoes can easily pierce through most textile structures with their proboscises, making it crucial to prevent them from landing on clothing in the first place.
IIT Delhi has already filed a patent application for the formulation and anticipates commercialization of the mosquito-repellent detergents in the coming months. Once available, the product could be a game-changer in the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses, offering an accessible and affordable solution for communities at risk. This textile-based defense promises a passive yet continuous shield, reducing reliance on individual efforts and promoting public health. The IIT Delhi's mosquito-repellent detergents represent a unique convergence of textile engineering and public health innovation.
