In summer, mosquitoes become restless and their bites not only bring troubles to people's lives, but also lead to the spread of certain diseases. Traditional textile deworming treatments have limited durability due to repeated washing, while the use of insecticides may be irritating or toxic to humans.

Pecaridin is a relatively safe alternative to DEET in the market. By physically mixing picaridine with nylon 66 nanofibers, the US Naval Research Department controls the composition of functional fibers in the layered structure by electrostatic spinning, so as to achieve the controlled release of the repellent. The results showed that the size and shape of nylon were not affected by the addition of pecaridin at a load concentration of up to 50wt %. The release power of pecaridine depends mainly on the load concentration and temperature, and the molecular interaction between pecaridine and nylon is minimal, which can provide diffusive release. In addition, the team has developed coaxial nanofibers with cortical components that can effectively protect core additives and extend release time.

Chemical structure of nylon 66 (left) and Pecaridin (right)

Scanning electron micrograph of monofil/Pecaridine (NP) composites

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curve of nylon/Pecaridine (NP) composite fibers

Scanning electron micrograph of coaxial nylon/Pecaridine (NP) composites.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves of coaxial nanofiber composites

Subject: Controlled release of the Populace Picaridin from electrospun nylon 6-6 nanofibers

DOI: 10.1002 / pat. 5028