Researchers develop net to protect against malaria

(CONNECT) Edith Perret from the St.Gallen-based Advanced Fibers laboratory of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has headed up an Innosuisse (Swiss Innovation Agency) project with the aim of improving protection against Malaria. After a three-year development stage, the team, which also includes industrial partners in the shape of Monosuisse and Vestergaard, has recently presented its results, as detailed in a statement.

The project focused on the development of a liquid-core fiber containing novel insecticides, allowing for the production of long-lasting mosquito nets. Mosquito nets with insecticides have already been used for malaria protection. However, in the manufacturing process used for these nets, Empa explains that the insecticides can end up evaporating. In the material developed as part of the MalCoFil project, the insecticides are contained in a liquid core encased in a polymer sheath, which means that the insecticide then “gradually diffuses through the fiber’s polymer sheath to the fiber surface”. This ensures the durability of the net, with Perret stating that it should remain effective for three years.

“The yarn must be suitable for weaving, it must have high tensile strength, and the fiber must not become brittle”, Perret states, highlighting another challenge in the development process. In this project, Monosuisse AG from Emmen in the canton of Lucerne contributed its expertise in the development of high-performance filaments and yarns made from various materials. These materials are also used in aeronautics and for the production of timing belts, fan belts and hoses. In addition to multifilaments, Monosuisse also develops monofilaments used in a range of different applications. The Lausanne-based Vestergaard specializes in the production of insecticidal mosquito nets, contributing its expertise in this area to the project. ce/jh