IIT Delhi's Mosquito-Proof Detergent Revolutionizes Protection – Wash Clothes, Repel Dengue Forever
IIT Delhi develops smart detergents that embed mosquito-repellent properties into fabrics, lasting through multiple washes.
Researchers at IIT Delhi, led by Professor Javed Nabibaksha Sheikh from the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, have created innovative mosquito-repellent detergents in powder and liquid forms. These "smart" detergents maintain standard wash-care performance while infusing fabrics with long-lasting protection against mosquitoes that transmit malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Unlike creams, sprays, or roll-ons that wear off quickly, this solution addresses the limitations of topical repellents and unprotected clothing.
Effectiveness was validated using the "hand-in-cage" method, where volunteers placed hands covered in treated fabrics into enclosures with starved mosquitoes. Fabrics washed with the new detergents showed a significant reduction in mosquito landings compared to untreated ones, as tested in commercial laboratories. The active ingredients bind to textile fibers during washing, targeting mosquitoes' smell and taste sensors to make fabrics unappealing for landing and biting.
A key innovation lies in the self-regenerating protection: each laundry cycle replenishes the repellent effect, ensuring consistent durability without special care routines. Mosquito proboscises penetrate most fabrics easily, so preventing landings proves crucial for bite prevention. This embedded defense outperforms temporary applications, ideal for regions with seasonal outbreaks.
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The team has filed a patent application, paving the way for commercial rollout amid rising mosquito-borne cases in India. Public health experts view the technology as a practical advancement for everyday prevention, requiring no habit changes. IIT Delhi explores scaling production post-regulatory approvals.
