A review on innovative treatment for mosquito-repellent textiles

Abstract Mosquito-borne diseases remain global health threats by documenting 14 million cases and over 1 million deaths yearly. Mosquito-repellent textiles serve as a critical barrier against mosquito-borne disease proliferation, offering a safer alternative to topical applications by minimising transdermal migration. The efficacy of treated fabrics is primarily governed by the interplay between the vapour pressure of the active agents and the fibre-matrix bonding strength. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration of mosquito-repellent agents into textile systems, aligning with the WHO Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030. A key finding of this study is that the pad-dry-cure method significantly outperforms traditional exhaustion methods regarding laundering durability and controlled release kinetics. This review emphasises information on choosing textile materials, methods for applying the repellent to the fabrics, different kinds of active ingredients, and the standardised practices for repellency. Furthermore, the trade-offs between chemical durability and the inherent mechanical properties of the fabric have been addressed. These results offer a technical roadmap for developing high-performance functional textiles that align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, transitioning the emphasis from immediate protection to sustainable, long-lasting vector control solutions.