Alternative methods for transferring mosquito repellent capsules containing bio-based citronella oil to upholstery fabrics: coating and printing

The aim of this study was to prepare insect repellent textiles and compare the application methods. Bio-based insect repellent agent citronella oil was encapsulated with ethyl cellulose shell with coacervation method. Morphological assessment showed that capsules had smooth surfaces and their shape was spherical. The homogenous size distribution of the capsules was supported and the mean particle size of the optimum formulations was almost 50 μm. Outdoor upholstery fabrics were treated with citronella capsules by coating and printing to compare the application methods. After application, the insecticide effects of the fabrics were investigated and compared with the impregnation method. Insecticide activity was evaluated against common house mosquitoes (Culex pipiens), with respect to cone bioassay of World Health Organization. Mosquitoes tended to stay away from treated fabrics, and mortality rates of mosquitos were noted as 72, 65 and 55% for printing, coating and impregnation, respectively, and the fabrics still showed repellency after five washing cycles. This study showed that the developed product might be used as an alternative to the other products in the market for avoiding mosquito-borne diseases and these results showed that capsules can be transferred by printing and coating processes when compared with the impregnation method.