IIT Delhi's Innovative Mosquito-Repellent Detergents: A Breakthrough Solution for Malaria and Dengue Prevention

IIT Delhi Develops Smart Mosquito-Repellent Detergents To Protect Against Malaria, Dengue

New Delhi:

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have announced the development of an innovative mosquito-repellent detergent amid rising cases of mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.

Currently available mosquito protection methods include liquids, coils, lotions, creams, roll-ons, sprays, and patches. However, these conventional options have limitations in their effectiveness. For example, topical applications like creams and lotions tend to lose their potency over time, increasing vulnerability to mosquito bites and related diseases.

According to the researchers, the newly developed mosquito-repellent detergents come in both powder and liquid formulations while maintaining washing performance comparable to regular detergents.

"We have developed smart detergents to protect people from dangerous mosquito-borne diseases. The products have undergone testing in a commercial laboratory and have demonstrated effective mosquito-repelling properties," explained Prof. Javed Nabibaksha Sheikh from the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering at IIT Delhi.

Testing was conducted using a "hand-in-cage" methodology, where volunteers placed their hands covered with treated fabrics into enclosures containing hungry mosquitoes. Researchers then counted the number of mosquitoes landing on the fabric. Textiles washed with the innovative detergents showed a significant decrease in mosquito landings.

Since mosquitoes can easily penetrate fabric with their proboscis, preventing them from landing on textiles is crucial. Fabrics washed with these smart detergents become less attractive to mosquitoes, thereby helping to prevent bites.

"The active ingredients in the detergents interact with fabric fibers during washing, making them unappealing for mosquito landing. These components affect both the olfactory and gustatory sensors of mosquitoes," Prof. Sheikh further explained.

An advantage of these detergents is that the mosquito-repellent properties are refreshed with each wash since textiles are frequently laundered, ensuring both effectiveness and longevity of protection.

The institute has already filed a patent for this technology, and commercialization of these innovative products is expected in the near future.