IIT-D comes up with smart mosquito-repellent detergents to protect against malaria, dengue

Amid a rise in mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Thursday informed the development of an innovative mosquito repellent detergent.

Currently, the available protective measures against mosquitoes include liquids, coils, lotions, creams, roll-ons, sprays, and patches.

However, these options come with their limitations in effectively repelling mosquitoes. For instance, topical formulations like creams and lotions may lose their effectiveness over time, which can increase the risk of mosquito bites and the associated diseases.

The new mosquito repellent detergents are available in both powder and liquid forms and maintain comparable wash-care properties, said the researchers.

“We have developed smart detergents to protect people from dangerous mosquito-borne diseases. The products have been tested in a commercial laboratory and have proven effective at repelling mosquitoes,” said Prof. Javed Nabibaksha Sheikh, Dept. of Textile and Fibre Engineering, from the IIT Delhi.

The testing involved a "hand-in-cage" method, where volunteers inserted their hands, covered with fabrics, into a box containing starved mosquitoes.