Many diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, are spread by mosquitoes. Currently, the available protective measures against mosquitoes include liquids, coils, lotions, creams, roll-ons, sprays, and patches. However, these options come with their own limitations in effectively repelling mosquitoes. For instance, topical formulations like creams and lotions may lose their effectiveness over time, which can increase the risk of mosquito bites and the associated diseases. Additionally, it is essential to assess the toxicity of the ingredients used in these topical products to prevent any further complications from applying them directly to the skin.

To address the issue of mosquito bites, a research team at IIT Delhi, led by Dr. Javed Nabibaksha Sheikh (Dept. of Textile and Fibre Engineering), has developed innovative mosquito repellent detergents. These detergents are available in both powder and liquid forms. These detergents will maintain equivalent wash-care properties. Moreover, the textile materials washed with these detergents become unattractive for mosquitoes, thus preventing bites. Since a mosquito's proboscis can easily penetrate through the fabric structure, it is essential to discourage them from landing on textile materials. The detergents employ a complex mechanism to achieve mosquito repellency. Because textiles are frequently washed, the mosquito-repellent properties will be regenerated after each wash, addressing the issues of efficiency and durability.
A patent has already been filed, and commercialization of these products is expected soon.