Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi have developed an innovative mosquito-repellent detergent designed to offer added protection against rising mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and chikungunya. The new detergent, available in both powder and liquid forms, maintains standard wash-care performance while incorporating properties that significantly reduce mosquito landings on treated fabrics.
Conventional repellents such as creams, lotions, sprays and coils provide temporary or limited protection, often requiring frequent reapplication. According to the research team, fabrics washed with the newly developed detergent create a deterrent effect that prevents mosquitoes from landing, an essential factor since their proboscis can easily penetrate most textiles.
The innovation was tested using the “hand-in-cage” method, in which volunteers placed their hands covered with washed fabrics inside a chamber containing starved mosquitoes. Fabrics laundered with the IIT Delhi detergent showed a substantial decline in mosquito landings compared to those washed with regular detergents.
Prof. Javed Nabibaksha Sheikh from the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering said the active components in the detergent bind to fabric fibers during the washing process, influencing both the smell and taste sensors of mosquitoes. This makes the textiles far less attractive to the insects and helps prevent bites.
The repellent properties renew with each wash, offering consistent and durable protection. A patent for the technology has been filed, and the institute expects commercial rollout in the near future, potentially offering households a convenient and effective additional layer of defence against mosquito-borne illnesses.
