Controlled release of volatile mosquito repellents from nanostructured polymers to reduce infectious tropical diseases: Part II: Bicomponent fibers as drug-release device

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In the first part of the project polymer scaffolds holding different mosquito repellents including DEET, icaridin, or citronellal were developed. Extruded strands were re-designed to footlets and tested with respect to their mosquito-repellence efficacy. The concerted research performed by the individual project partners was targeted to the development of research capacity in Maputo (Mozambique) serving as headquarter for both in-field footlet-acceptance studies and in-field prototype testing. The results obtained prove that the general concept of long-lasting outdoor protection of humans for mosquito attacks, based on polymer-scaffold/drug devices is highly promising, however, with potential for further improvements. As a main result of foot-in-cage tests, it was found that drug-containing strands provide long-lasting local protection but that larger skin coverage is needed for increasing the efficacy of the device. Such larger coverage is suggested being obtained by employing knitted fabrics made from bicomponent fibers hosting large fraction of repellents to be released over long time. Preliminary fiber preparation tests were successfully performed. Based on the new knowledge about the thermodynamics and phase behavior of the biopolymer/drug system PLLA/DEET gained in the first part of project, it is now intended to further develop the idea/approach of preparation of repellent-containing fibers to obtain fabrics able to protect larger skin area for mosquito bites. Research efforts, all remain directed to Mozambique, to build at this location further research and educational capacities and develop people awareness for their own protection.