Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
08:28
Vapor Phase Deposition of Electroactive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) onto Electrospun Commodity Polymer Nanofibers
Published on: March 7, 2025
1.0K
Long-Term Insect Repellent Electrospun Microfibers from Recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate).
Ashley C Fulton1,2, Matthew D Thum1, Javier Jimenez1,2
1U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Code 6124, 4555 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 14, 2023
Summary
Recycled PET microfibers effectively encapsulate insect repellents like DEET and picaridin, offering long-lasting protection against mosquitoes for weeks. This innovative method provides an eco-friendly alternative to topical repellents.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Entomology
Background:
- Insect-borne diseases are increasing, driving demand for effective repellents.
- Topical repellents face challenges like skin absorption and short duration.
- Encapsulation offers extended release and non-contact delivery of repellents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate recycled PET microfibers for insect repellent delivery.
- To assess the efficacy of dual loading with DEET and picaridin.
- To explore a sustainable, long-lasting repellent solution.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) microfibers loaded with DEET and picaridin.
- Repellent retention analysis via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
- Correlation of release profiles using Hansen solubility parameters.
- Live mosquito bioassays to assess repellency duration and effectiveness.
Main Results:
- High repellent retention (up to 97%) within PET microfibers post-processing.
- Extended release profiles correlated with PET-repellent chemical affinity.
- Sustained insect repellency observed: 100% for over 1 week, 80% for over 3 weeks.
- Demonstrated potential for dual-repellent loading (DEET/picaridin).
Conclusions:
- Recycled PET microfibers are a viable platform for sustained insect repellent delivery.
- This technology offers a long-lasting, eco-friendly alternative to traditional topical repellents.
- The method supports large-scale textile manufacturing for enhanced public health protection.
