Description:Title:
Algorithmic Mixing Of Microencapsulated Insecticide For Long-Lasting Repellent Clothing In Washing Machines

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of textile treatment technologies, specifically to a chemical formulation designed for use in laundry processes to impart long-lasting insect repellent properties to clothing, along with providing UV protection.

Background of Invention:
The conventional use of insect repellents, primarily in the form of sprays and lotions, presents significant challenges, especially due to their short-lived effectiveness which necessitates frequent reapplication, a major inconvenience during outdoor activities and travel. The limited duration of these repellents is especially problematic when sweating or washing clothes, leading to reduced protection against insect bites. Beyond the inconvenience, there are also environmental and health concerns associated with common repellent chemicals like DEET and Picaridin, prompting a demand for safer, more eco-friendly alternatives. This scenario underscores the urgent need for an innovative, long-lasting insect repellent solution, ideally a one-time application product for clothing that remains effective over extended periods and through various conditions. Such a development would not only offer a more convenient and efficient means of protection against insects, particularly in regions with insect-borne diseases, but also align with environmental and health-conscious trends, significantly enhancing the outdoor and travel experience.

Objects of the Invention:
The primary object of the present invention is to Imparting Long-lasting Insect Repellent Properties to Clothes
Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition and a formulation for Broad Spectrum Insect Repellency with UV Protection.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide Convenient and Safe Application for All Types of Clothing.
Still another object of the present invention is cost-effective and enhanced formulation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide Multi-Ingredient Approach with Natural Alternatives and Improved Processes.

Summary of the Invention:
Accordingly, the present invention provides a composition and formulation chemical composition of a washing machine solution containing:
a. DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) in a concentration of about 30-50%.
b. Permethrin in a concentration of about 20-40%.
c. IR3535 (3-(N-butyl-N-acetyl)-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester) in a concentration of about 5-10% effective for insect repellent activity.
d. Emulsifiers to ensure proper mixing of the active ingredients with water in a concentration of about 1-5%.
e. Fixing or bonding agents to adhere the insect repellent molecules to the fabric for extended durability in a concentration of about 0.5-3%.
f. UV protection agents to prevent degradation of the active ingredients by sunlight in a concentration of about 0.5-2%.
g. Deionized water as the base solvent to make up the remaining volume.
This combination of ingredients provides several key advantages:
1. Long-lasting repellency: The solution offers protection against insects for up to 30 regular cold water washes, significantly exceeding the duration of conventional repellents.
2. Convenient application: The solution is easily applied through the washing machine, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication to clothing.
3. Effective against a broad range of insects: The combination of DEET, permethrin, and IR3535 provides protection against a wide variety of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and ants.
4. Safe for use on clothing: The solution is formulated to be safe for use on all types of clothing, including delicates.
5. Odorless and colorless: The solution does not leave any noticeable odor or color on clothes.

Detailed description of the invention:

The present invention is Composition of the Microcapsules:
Core Materials:
1. DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide): 20 ml (20% by weight)
2. Permethrin (cis/trans isomers): 20 ml (20% by weight)
3. IR3535 (3-(N-butyl-N-acetyl)-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester): 5 ml (5% by weight)
4. Citronella oil: 5 ml (5% by weight)
Microcapsule Shell:
1. Melamine-formaldehyde resin (Melamine 400): 30 ml (30% by weight)
2. UV absorber (Benzophenone-4): 5 ml (5% by weight)
3. Crosslinking agent (Glutaraldehyde-50): 10 ml (10% by weight)
Improved Microencapsulation Process:
1. Emulsification: The core materials and a portion of the MF prepolymer are emulsified using a high-shear homogenizer to form a stable oil-in-water emulsion.
2. Coacervation: The remaining MF prepolymer is slowly added to the emulsion, causing the formation of a coacervate phase around the oil droplets.
3. Crosslinking: Glutaraldehyde is added to the coacervate, which crosslinks the MF molecules and forms a rigid shell around the core materials.
4. Washing and Drying: The microcapsules are washed and dried to remove any unreacted materials.
Composition of the Emulsified Formulation(100ml):
1. Microcapsule Suspension: 50 ml (50% by volume)
2. Emulsifiers (Polysorbate 20): 2 ml (2% by volume)
3. Fixing Agents (Polyvinyl Alcohol): 1 ml (1% by volume)
4. Deionized Water: 47 ml (47% by volume)

Algorithmic Mixing Procedure:
1. Pre-measure the concentrated microcapsule suspension (50 ml).
2. Fill the washing machine detergent dispenser with 10 liters of deionized water.
3. Initiate a "rinse and spin" cycle without clothes.
4. After 2 minutes, add the pre-measured microcapsule suspension to the dispenser.
5. Continue the "rinse and spin" cycle for 2 minutes for thorough mixing.
6. Add clothes in a 10:1 ratio (clothes weight:original microcapsule suspension volume).
7. Select the desired washing cycle (cold water recommended) and start the washing machine.

Chemical Reactions:
Step 1: MF Prepolymer Formation:
Melamine 400 + Formaldehyde + Catalyst (HCl) ? MF Prepolymer + Water (Condensation reaction)
Step 2: Coacervation:
Oil Phase (Core Materials) + MF Prepolymer + Polysorbate 20 ? Oil-in-water Emulsion
Step 3: Crosslinking:
MF Prepolymer + Glutaraldehyde-50 ? Crosslinked MF Shell (Polymerization reaction)
Results:
Release Profile of Active Ingredients over Time: This graph is showing the sustained release of DEET, permethrin, IR3535, and citronella oil from the microcapsules over a specified duration, highlighting the effectiveness of the formulation which is derived from results of testing done by Intertek Labs on treated and washed fabrics.

Release Profile of Active Ingredients over Time

No. of Washes | DEET | Permethrin| IR3535 | Citronella
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100%
2 | 85% | 90% | 95% | 80%
6 | 70% | 80% | 85% | 70%
12 | 50% | 60% | 70% | 50%
24 | 30% | 40% | 50% | 40%
48 | 10% | 20% | 30% | 20%
72 | 5% | 10% | 20% | 10%
Comparison Chart of Effectiveness:

Example:
This combination effectively repels a broad spectrum of insects, including mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and lice, which can transmit various diseases such as:
1. Mosquitoes: Malaria, Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, West Nile Virus, Chikungunya
2. Ticks: Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis
3. Flies: Typhoid, Dysentery, Cholera, Trachoma.
4. Lice: Typhus, Trench Fever, Relapsing Fever.

Brief Description of drawings:

Figure 1 : Spectrum of Insects Repelled
Figure 2 : Duration of protection(Washes)

Detailed description of the drawings:

Figure 1 : Figure 1 shows the the Spectrum of Insects Repelled by usage of the composition.
Figure 2 : Figure 2 shows the Duration of composition during the number of washes done on the fabrics.

A bar chart comparing the effectiveness of our microencapsulated solution against other repellents in terms of duration of protection, spectrum of insects repelled, and washes before reapplication.
Advantages:
A. Long-lasting insect repellency for up to 50 washes.
B. Effective against a broad spectrum of insects.
C. UV protection for enhanced durability.
D. Convenient application through washing machine.
E. Safe for all types of clothing.
F. Significant cost reduction compared to the original formulation.
Key Advantages :
A. Multi-ingredient approach: The inclusion of citronella oil expands the repellent spectrum and provides a natural alternative to synthetic insecticides.
B. Improved microencapsulation process: This process utilizes a high-shear
C. homogenizer for superior emulsion stability and a more efficient crosslinking agent for increased capsule strength and duration of release.
D. Algorithmic mixing procedure: This procedure ensures consistent distribution of microcapsules throughout the wash cycle, maximizing the contact of the insecticide with clothing fibers and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the solution.
E. Cost-effectiveness: The use of cost-effective alternatives like Melamine 400 and Polyvinyl Alcohol significantly reduces the production cost of the solution compared to existing formulations.
By combining these innovative features, this invention provides a practical and affordable solution for individuals seeking to protect themselves from insect bites and the diseases they transmit, contributing to improved public health.

Uses of the composition:

Textile Treatment and Chemical Formulations: The primary aspect of this invention involves the chemical treatment of textiles to confer specific functional properties, in this case, insect repellency. It involves the development and use of chemical agents that can be applied to textiles during the washing process.
Insect Repellency and Protective Solutions: The formulation is specifically designed to protect against insects, making it relevant to fields concerned with personal protection against insects and related health hazards. This includes areas such as outdoor recreation, public health, and protective clothing.
Laundry and Fabric Care Products: As the solution is used in a washing machine, it aligns with the field of laundry products and innovations that enhance the functionality of fabric care routines.
Public Health and Preventive Measures: Given that the solution is designed to protect against insect bites and potentially prevent insect-borne diseases, it also has relevance in the field of public health, particularly in preventive strategies against diseases transmitted by insects.
Sustainable and Cost-Effective Chemical Solutions: The focus on cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives, like natural ingredients and sustainable manufacturing processes, places the invention within the broader field of sustainable chemical solutions and green chemistry.
, Claims:1. A washing machine solution for imparting insect repellent properties to clothes,
comprising:
a. DEET in a concentration of about 40%;
b. permethrin in a concentration of about 30%;
c. IR3535 in a concentration effective for insect repellent activity;
d. emulsifiers in a concentration of about 2-5%;
e. fixing or bonding agents in a concentration of about 1-3%;
f. UV protection agents in a concentration of about 1-2%; and
g. deionized water to make up the remaining volume.
2. The solution of claim 1, wherein said IR3535 is present in a concentration of about 5 - 10%.
3. The solution of claim 1, wherein said clothes retain insect repellent properties for upto 30 regular cold water washes.
4. A method for providing insect repellent properties to clothes, comprising:
adding the solution of claim 1 to a washing machine post laundry detergent treatment, washing clothes in the washing machine on a cold water cycle; and drying the clothes.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said drying is done in shade.