IIT Delhi Develops Special Mosquito-Repellent Detergent to Prevent Dengue, Malaria and Other Diseases

New Delhi:
In a significant breakthrough aimed at combating mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have developed a special detergent that not only cleans clothes but also provides a protective mosquito-repellent coating.

The research team has already filed a patent application for this innovative technology.

How the Technology Works
According to the IIT Delhi research team, the newly developed detergent functions just like any regular laundry detergent. However, after washing, it forms a unique “repellent coating” on the fabric. This coating prevents mosquitoes from landing on the clothes, thereby reducing the risk of mosquito bites.

The team claims that this coating is more durable than body sprays or creams, as it binds with the fabric’s fibers and does not wear off easily. The aim is to provide people with an easy, safe, and long-lasting method of protection through their daily laundry routine.

Tested Through Specialized Lab Experiments
The mosquito-repellent detergent has been developed by a team led by Prof. Javed Nabibakhsh Sheikh from the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering. The product will be available in both powder and liquid forms and retains all the qualities of regular detergent.

The testing was carried out using the “hand-in-cage” technique. Volunteers covered their hands with fabric washed in the special detergent and placed them inside a box containing hungry mosquitoes. The number of mosquitoes landing on the fabric was then recorded. Clothes washed with the IIT-developed detergent showed significantly fewer mosquito landings.

Researchers explained that the part of the mosquito used for biting can easily penetrate fabric, which is why preventing mosquitoes from landing on clothes is crucial. The detergent’s components interact with the fabric’s fibers to affect the insects’ smell and taste receptors, keeping them away even after multiple washes.

A Boon for Schools, Villages and High-Risk Areas
Experts say this technology can prove extremely beneficial in schools, rural regions, and other high-risk areas where mosquito populations are high and mosquito-borne illnesses are common.