An important reason for the continued prevalence of malaria in endemic areas is the lack of adequate vector control measures. Our approach is a simple and cost-effective way of stabilising volatile repellents, compared to microencapsulation, a technique used to enclose active ingredients within tiny capsules for controlled release.

DEET, one of the most widely used mosquito repellents, typically offers only a few hours of residual effectiveness. Its high cost and the need for repeated application at high concentrations (10–70%) make it impractical for widespread use in tropical countries. The most efficient malaria vector in Africa—the Anopheles gambiae complex—tends to bite on the lower limbs. To address this, we manufactured repellent socks and ankle covers using a bi-component polymer filament. The filament’s core contains the volatile active ingredient, while its outer membrane slows the release rate into the atmosphere.

By increasing the residual effectiveness of repellents, this technology offers a promising path toward reducing outdoor malaria transmission, especially in resource-limited settings where conventional methods fall short.