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Computer numerical control knitting of high-resolution mosquito bite blocking textiles.

Bryan HoltKyle OswaltAlexa EnglandRichard MurphyIsabella OwensMicaela FinneyNatalie WongSushil AdhikariJames McCannJohn Frederick Beckmann
Published in: Communications engineering (2024)
Mosquitoes and other biting arthropods transmit diseases worldwide, causing over 700,000 deaths each year, and costing about 3 billion USD annually for Aedes species alone. Insect vectored diseases also pose a considerable threat to agricultural animals. While clothing could provide a simple solution to vector-borne diseases, modern textiles do not effectively block mosquito bites. Here we have designed three micro-resolution knitted structures, with five adjustable parameters that can block mosquito bites. These designs, which exhibit significant bite reduction were integrated into a computer numerical control knitting robot for mass production of bite-blocking garments with minimal human labor. We then quantified the comfort of blocking garments. Our knits enable individuals to protect themselves from insects amidst their day-to-day activities without impacting the environment.
Keyphrases
  • aedes aegypti
  • dengue virus
  • zika virus
  • high resolution
  • endothelial cells
  • deep learning
  • risk assessment
  • climate change
  • heavy metals
  • mass spectrometry
  • single molecule
  • machine learning