Empa researchers develop new mosquito net fiber technology
Researchers at Empa in St. Gallen have developed a liquid-core fiber for mosquito nets as part of the Innosuisse project MalCoFil.
New fiber resists heat damage
Empa scientists created a fiber with a polymer sheath and a liquid core holding insecticide. Previous methods used melt spinning which caused many non-pyrethroid insecticides to evaporate during heating. This new design allows the inclusion of novel chemicals that would otherwise be lost. The liquid core keeps these substances stable until they are needed on the net surface.
Long-lasting protection against malaria
The developed fiber releases insecticide gradually to ensure continuous protection for about three years. This duration allows the net to withstand multiple wash cycles while remaining effective against bites. Malaria kills more than 700,000 people annually because mosquitoes are becoming resistant to standard pyrethroid treatments. The new technology aims to reduce this global burden by overcoming insecticide resistance issues.
Testing confirms mechanical strength
Edith Perret from the Advanced Fibers laboratory led the team that fine-tuned the production parameters. Their three-year development phase showed the yarn maintains high tensile strength and does not become brittle. Large-scale testing is still required to fully confirm the durability of these new insecticidal polymer fibers before widespread use.
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