IIT-Delhi develops smart detergents to protect people from mosquitoes

In a bid to curb mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have developed smart mosquito repellent detergents.

These detergents aim to overcome the limitations of existing preventive products such as coils, sprays, lotions and roll-ons, which often lose effectiveness over time.

The research team, led by Prof Javed Nabibaksha Sheikh from the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, has developed the detergents in both liquid and powder forms. The product has been tested in commercial laboratories and has shown promising results in repelling mosquitoes without compromising wash quality.

Speaking about the development, Prof Sheikh said, “We have developed smart detergents to protect people from mosquito borne diseases. The products have been tested in a commercial laboratory and have proven effective at repelling mosquitoes. The testing involved a ‘hand-in-cage’ method, where volunteers inserted their hands, covered with fabrics, into a box containing starved mosquitoes. The number of mosquitoes landing on the fabric was then evaluated. Fabrics washed with our detergents demonstrated a significant reduction in mosquito landings.”

He said the team had already filed a patent application for the new formulation.

Since regular clothing fabrics can be easily penetrated by a mosquito’s proboscis, reducing mosquito landings is essential for protection. The newly developed detergents work by altering the interaction between textile fibers and mosquitoes, making the surface less appealing for landing.

Explaining how the formula works, Prof Sheikh noted, “The active components of detergents interact with fibers during the washing process, making them less attractive for mosquito landing. The active components work on both the smell and taste sensors of the mosquitoes.”

The mosquito repellent effect is renewed with every wash, ensuring sustained protection and durability for regular users.