Graphene could be the most effective alternative to chemical repellents. Mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Traditional repellents are too harsh for some people. That is why graphene can be a useful alternative barrier against these insects.
The Innovation
A graphene-based film can help protect people from infective mosquitoes. Scientists say that this substance can lead to new, environment-friendly methods of protection against mosquitoes. This material can also protect without harming humans and other animals. Trials showed that the mosquitoes landed less often on this film than on bare, unprotected skin. Mosquitoes could not bite through this substance at all. This innovation can help decrease the probability of developing infectious diseases. It may also reduce the use of chemicals in keeping mosquitoes away.
What Graphene Is
The chemical structure of this substance is a tight carbon lattice that looks like a honeycomb. Many manufacturers are already using it in making protective clothing and mosquito repellents. This material’s protection against insect bites was unrecognized until this study.
Scientists are stressing the impenetrable qualities of this innovative film. This compound is actually invisible to the untrained eye. It is also stronger than steel and harder than diamonds. This substance can also conduct more electricity and heat than copper. Experts discovered that you can use this substance as a filter and barrier.
How It Repels Mosquitoes
Research shows that this amazing material has many uses. Here are the ways this substance can protect against mosquitoes:
- Mosquitoes cannot bite through it. Even if mosquitoes fly over this material, their proboscis cannot go through it. Trials prove that graphene is the thinnest yet strongest material on Earth.
- This film can block the smell of human sweat. Even if it is only an atom thick, its layers of carbon have many uses. It can filter water and block chemicals. This makes it impossible for mosquitoes to smell human sweat.
- This material prevents mosquitoes from landing. It makes mosquitoes uninterested in even touching it. Scientists conclude that mosquitoes lose interest in biting you if you are wearing graphene. This is because it blocks the chemicals that tell mosquitoes to bite. Graphene is also dry. So, it remains stiff, discouraging mosquitoes to bite. If the material is plain, mosquitoes can bite through if it gets wet. Graphene oxide remains impenetrable even it gets wet.
- It is comfortable to wear. The film is breathable. Even if you wear this material for a long time, you will remain comfortable.
Bite-Free Skin
Applying a layer of graphene on your clothes can protect you while you enjoy outdoor activities. This substance has one layer of carbon atoms. Adding oxygen atoms to the pure graphene produces graphene oxide. This new variant makes the material stronger.
Scientists say that a mosquito has two mouth components that serve as a fork. Four parts of its mouth have serrated edges that slice through your soft skin. Male mosquitoes do not have these mouthparts. Females do because they are the ones that need to nourish their eggs with blood. The Aedes species of mosquitoes prefer human blood. That is why humans are the ones affected by deadly diseases, such as yellow fever and Zika.
Preventing mosquito bites through drugs is costly. Sometimes, protective clothing, bed nets, and repellents are not that effective. Vaccines are not proven effective yet against mosquito-borne diseases. Graphene can make the battle more favorable for us.
