Did you know that mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals? According to World Health Organization (WHO), mosquito bites result in over 1 million deaths annually.
In order to get rid of these mosquitoes, we use many things, but they are far from perfect. Now, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) scientists have developed a new type of insect-repellent delivery device. They developed this device using “IR3535”, an insect repellent developed by MERCK.
“Mosquito sprays containing IR3535 are very gentle on the skin and have been used all over the world for many years. That’s why we’ve been using the agent for our experiments,” says Professor René Androsch from the MLU.
Using a 3D printer, researchers “encapsulated” it into the desired shape such as a ring, which may be worn and emit mosquito repellent for a long time. This device works by continuously evaporating the insect repellent and forming a barrier for insects.
Researchers inserted the mosquito-repellent into a biodegradable polymer in a controlled manner. With this device researchers are looking for ways to release the agent over a much longer period. That is why they are encapsulating it in a wearable ring or bracelet.
