Claims:1. A biodegradable CO2 generating bio-resin, for attracting blood sucking insects, particularly mosquitoes, comprising pre-treated activated carbon (102) coated on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) (104).
2. The bio-resin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the activated carbon is pre-treated with CO2.
3. The bio-resin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickness of coating of pre-treated activated carbon (102) over EVA bio-resin (104) is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm.
4. The bio-resin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-treated activated carbon layer (102) forms a CO2 zone (106), wherein rapid exchange and absorption of CO2 occurs.
5. The bio-resin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bio-resin provides 0.5 to 5ppm CO2 in the zone.
6. A process of preparing the bio-resin as claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:
a) Pre-treating activated carbon with CO2;
b) Coating the pre-treated activated carbon over EVA bio-resin; and
c) drying the bio-resin.
7. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pre-treatment of activated carbon is done by producing CO2 from ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate, which is then adsorbed by activated carbon.
8. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pre-treated activated carbon is coated over EVA bio-resin in the thickness of 0.1-10 mm.
9. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pre-treated activated carbon is coated over EVA bio-resin using magnetic stirrer (250 RPM), for 2-30 mins at room temperature.
10. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bio-resin, after coating with pre-treated activated carbon, is air dried for 5-6 hours or dried in oven for 2-3 hours.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a biodegradable source of Carbon dioxide. Specifically, the present invention relates to a biodegradable CO2 generating bio-resin comprising activated carbon coated on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, for attracting blood sucking insects, particularly mosquitoes. The present invention further relates to process of preparation of the CO2 generating biodegradable EVA resin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Blood sucking insects rely on biochemical cues such as odors to locate and identify hosts on which to feed. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most important olfactory stimuli which mimics host body odor and is involved in orientation toward hosts by mosquitoes and other blood feeding insects. Mosquito trapping devices thus often include chemical baits such as CO2, organic acid (such as lactic acid) and alcohol compounds (such as octanol, nonanol) to attract and enhance capture of mosquitoes.
[0004] Most common odor baits contain carbon dioxide (CO2), which enhances trap catches, given its role as a mosquito flight activator. However, the use of CO2 is expensive and logistically demanding for prolonged area-wide use. The application of this gas from pressurized cylinders, fermenting sugar (i.e., sucrose) or molasses and/or the use of dry ice present major challenges to the use of CO2 based mosquito attractants under field conditions. The gas cylinders are heavy, bulky, expensive and prone to leakages and dry ice can be difficult to obtain, transport and store. While CO2 produced by fermenting refined sugar or molasses can offer a solution to these problems, this method of CO2 production is also expensive and presents logistical challenges when used on a large scale because the gas is only produced over one trapping night (~ ten hours) and must be replenished daily. Another method of CO2 generation in available market products is by using thermal heating of metals to produce high CO2 which mimics the human CO2 exhalation and thus lures blood seeking mosquitoes. A working temperature of 95 to 115 ?F should be achieved for the same. The electric and heat energy is required in high quantities, which is difficult for utilization for everyday needs.
[0005] Usage of CO2 generating devices causes increase in the CO2 concentration in the surrounding air column leading to greenhouse effect and global warming. There is no non-toxic, sustainable CO2 generating alternative for mosquito lure available in market.
[0006] There is, therefore, a need to develop a safer, non-toxic, economical and sustainable source of CO2 that can act as lure to attract blood sucking insects, particularly mosquitoes and which can overcome the deficiencies associated with the known arts.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a safer, non-toxic, economical and sustainable source of CO2.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable source of CO2 which is safe for humans as well as pets and does not contain any unpleasant odor.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable source of CO2 which can be effectively incorporated in mosquito traps.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable source of CO2 which can be used in indoor as well as outdoor mosquito traps.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable source of CO2 which works independent of power supply.
[0012] The other objects and preferred embodiments and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying examples and figures, which are not intended to limit scope of the present invention in any manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0014] The present invention relates to a biodegradable source of Carbon dioxide. Specifically, the present invention relates to a biodegradable CO2 generating bio-resin comprising activated carbon coated on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, for attracting blood sucking insects, particularly mosquitoes
[0015] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a biodegradable CO2 generating bio-resin comprising pre-treated activated carbon coated on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, for attracting mosquitoes.
[0016] In another aspect, the pre-treated activated carbon is pre-treated with CO2 and functions as self-renewing CO2 absorber and generator.
[0017] In another aspect, the pre-treated activated carbon is coated over EVA bio-resin, wherein the thickness of coating is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm, preferable, 0.5 to 5mm, and more preferably 1 to 1.5 mm. The size of the bio-resin and thickness of the coating can be increased to increase the CO2 concentration.
[0018] In yet another aspect, the pre-treated activated carbon layer forms a CO2 zone, wherein rapid exchange and absorption of CO2 occurs.
[0019] In still another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin does not directly release any CO2 to the surrounding and is very environment friendly. CO2 generating bio-resin continuously absorbs CO2 from the surrounding air column and desorption of CO2 produces zone of CO2 equilibrium.
[0020] The present invention further relates to process of preparation of the CO2 generating biodegradable EVA resin.
[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the process of preparing the CO2 generating bio-resin, comprising the steps of:
a) Pre-treating activated carbon with CO2;
b) Coating the pre-treated activated carbon over EVA bio-resin; and
c) drying the bio-resin.
[0022] Other aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learnt by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS THE INVENTION
[0023] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
Figure 1: CO2 generating bio-resin
Figure 2: Pre- treated activated carbon coating on bio-resin
Figure 3: CO2 generating bio-resin - Mechanism of CO2 zone production
Figure 4: Flow diagram depicting the process for preparation of CO2 generating bio-resin

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0025] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0026] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0027] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
[0028] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0029] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
[0030] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0031] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
[0032] The description that follows, and the embodiments described therein, is provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples, of particular embodiments of the principles and aspects of the present disclosure. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the disclosure.
[0033] It should also be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a system, a method or a device. In this specification, these implementations, or any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as processes. In general, the order of the steps of the disclosed processes may be altered within the scope of the invention.
[0034] The headings and abstract of the invention provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
[0035] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0036] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0037] “Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) resin” refers to a thermoplastic material also known as polyethylene-vinyl-acetate (PEVA), and is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. In this formation, the weight percentage is variable ranging from 10 to 40 percent and remaining part is ethylene. This material is usually considered to be non-toxic in nature.
[0038] “Activated carbon”, also called activated charcoal, refers to a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. Activated is sometimes substituted with active.
[0039] The present invention relates to a biodegradable source of Carbon dioxide. Specifically, the present invention relates to a biodegradable CO2 generating bio-resin comprising activated carbon coated on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, for attracting blood sucking insects, particularly mosquitoes.
[0040] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a biodegradable CO2 generating bio-resin comprising pre-treated activated carbon coated on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin, for attracting mosquitoes.
[0041] In an embodiment, the pre-treated activated carbon is pre-exposed with CO2 and functions as self-renewing CO2 absorber and generator.
[0042] The biodegradable CO2 generating bio-resin comprising pre-treated activated carbon coated on Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin is shown in Figure 1.
[0043] In another embodiment, the pre-treated activated carbon is coated over EVA bio-resin, wherein the thickness of coating is in the range of 0.1 to 10 mm, preferable, 0.5 to 5mm, and more preferably 1 to1.5mm. The size of the bio-resin and thickness of the coating can be increased to increase the CO2 concentration in the zone. The coating of the pre-treated activated carbon over EVA bio-resin is illustrated in Figure 2, wherein EVA bio-resin (104) is coated with pre-treated activated carbon coating (102).
[0044] In yet another embodiment, the pre-treated activated carbon layer (102) forms a CO2 zone (106), wherein rapid exchange and absorption of CO2 (108) occurs.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, the pre-treated activated carbon layer (102) on continuous air flow, releases and again absorbs the CO2 (108) from air column nearby. The air column refers to the air column of the surrounding environment/ atmospheric air. This continuous and rapid exchange and absorption of CO2 forms a CO2 zone (106). Thus, CO2 is created without the requirement of any external power/ energy source. Thus, the CO2 generating bio-resin is independent of power supply. The mechanism of CO2 zone (106) formation in the CO2 generating bio-resin, coated with pre-treated activated carbon layer (102) has been depicted diagrammatically in Figure 3.
[0046] In still another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin works independently of power supply.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin does not directly release any CO2 to the surrounding and is very environment friendly. CO2 generating bio-resin ccontinuously absorbs CO2 from the surrounding air column and desorption of CO2 produces zone of CO2 equilibrium.
[0048] In another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin provides 0.5 to 5ppm CO2 in the zone. The CO2 equilibrium zone is the lure that attracts mosquitoes. The mentioned CO2 zone can be increased and decreased by altering the width of the pre-treated activated carbon coating on the bio-resin.
[0049] In yet another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin is suitable for attracting mosquitoes inside home or outside in garden.
[0050] In another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin can attract and capture different species of mosquitoes selected from but not limited to Culex quiquefasciatus, An. Stephensi, Ae. Aegypti and Armigerous subalpatus.
[0051] In another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin is much more effective as compared to conventional light traps.
[0052] In yet another embodiment, CO2 generating bio-resin can be used in various devices of different sizes. The device can be any type of trapping device that can be supplemented with the CO2 generating bio-resin to effectively trap the blood seeking insects, particularly mosquitoes. CO2 generating bio-resin according to the present invention can be easily supplemented with conventional light traps.
[0053] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a facile process for preparing the CO2 generating bio-resin.
[0054] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the process of preparing the CO2 generating bio-resin, comprising the steps of:
a) Pre-treating activated carbon with CO2;
b) Coating the pre-treated activated carbon over EVA bio-resin; and
c) drying the bio-resin.
[0055] In an embodiment, the pre-treatment of activated carbon with CO2 is done by producing CO2 from ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate, which is adsorbed by activated carbon.
[0056] In another embodiment, the pre-treated activated carbon is coated over EVA bio-resin in the thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm, preferably 1-1.5 mm.
[0057] In another embodiment, the pre-treated activated carbon is coated over EVA bio-resin using magnetic stirrer (250 RPM), for 2-30 mins at room temperature and optimal pressure conditions.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the bio-resin, after coating with pre-treated activated carbon, is air dried for 5-6 hours.
[0059] In another embodiment, the CO2 generating bio-resin has shelf life of 3 months, after which it needs to be replaced with a fresh, active CO2 generating bio-resin. In other words, CO2 absorption and desorption can effectively take place for 3 months in a typical set up, after which the bio-resin pellets need to be replaced with fresh ones to retain the mosquito attracting potency.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, the optimum quantity of the CO2 generating bio-resin for attracting mosquitoes indoor is 5-15 g, preferably 10 g whereas 20-60 gm is required for outdoor use.
[0061] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0062] The present invention is further explained in the form of following examples. However, it is to be understood that the following examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention.
[0063] All the starting materials were commercially purchased. The chemical compounds utilized in the present invention were purchased from Lab chemicals, Park town, Chennai. The EVA Pellets were purchased from Sarvodhaya Plastic Products, Karnan street, Opp. Pillayar kovil, Kodambakkam, Chennai. The EVA bio-resin used is biodegradable and non- toxic in nature, size of the pellets is in the range of 1.5mm – 3mm width.
[0064] Example 1: Characteristics of Activated carbon
[0065] Commercially available activated carbon was used, which has the following chemical composition as shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Chemical composition of the activated carbon
Parameters Activated carbon

Elemental analysis (wt %) :
Carbon 72.38
Hydrogen 2.10
Nitrogen 0.20
Sulphur 0.27
Oxygen 25.05
Moisture content (wt %) 2.21

[0066] Example 2: Procedure for preparation of CO2 generating bio-resin
[0067] The detailed procedure for preparation of CO2 generating bio-resin has been depicted in Figure 4 illustrating the flow diagram of the actual process.
[0068] Sodium bicarbonate (5g) and ascorbic acid (5mL) were mixed leading to the generation of carbon dioxide. To this mixture, was added activated charcoal/carbon (10 g) leading to the preparation of pre-treated activated carbon.
[0069] EVA pellets (10 g) were and to them is added the pre-treated activated carbon while stirring the mixture at 250 rpm over a magnetic stirrer, at room temperature. Stirring is continued till all EVA pellets are coated with activated carbon (around 2-30 min). The pre-treated activated carbon was coated over EVA bio-resin in the thickness of 1-1.5 mm. Post coating the resin was air dried for 5-6 hours or can be dried in an oven for 2-3 hours, before further use.
[0070] Example 3: Determination of CO2 Parameters in activated carbon coating in EVA bio resin
[0071] The amount of CO2 produced in the CO2 zone of Activated carbon coated EVA bio-resin was measured using CO2 analyzers like Extech EasyView™ indoor air quality datalogger. The analyzer is kept at a distance of 0.5 meter from the CO2 generating bio-resin and the values were recorded. The results are depicted in Table 2.

Table 2: CO2 Parameters in activated coated EVA bio resin
Activated carbon coating in EVA bio resin (mm) Amount of CO2 produced in zone (ppm) No. of human equivalent Toxic level Mosquito activity
0.5 1.3 1 Nil Nil
1.5 4 3 Low Good luring effect
3 8 6 Slightly high Good luring effect
4.5 12 9 Very high Very good luring effect but toxic

[0072] Example 4: Determination of efficacy of mosquito trap using activated coated EVA bio resin
[0073] The efficacy of activated coated EVA bio resin was determined by comparing its mosquito attracting ability when used in comparison with a conventional light trap (control device). The results are depicted in Table 3. Different type of mosquito capturing ability of the activated coated EVA bio resin was also tested and results are shown in Table 4.
[0074] The trapping efficiency was calculated using the below depicted formula:

*Trapping efficiency = No. of mosquitoes lured by test- No. of mosquitoes lured by Control

Total no. of mosquitoes trapped in test+ Control

Table 3: The comparative run of control and test in a conventional light trap

S.No. Device Hours of run No. of mosquitoes caught
1 Control (Only device) 12 5
2 Test (Device + CO2 generating bio-resin) 12 58

Table 4: The comparative run of control and test in a conventional light trap
Species of mosquitoes Device (24 hours run) Trapping efficiency
Control
(Only device) Test (Device + CO2 generating bio-resin)
Culex quiquefasciatus 10 170 89%
An. stephensi 3 65 91%
Ae. aegypti 2 78 95%
Armigerous subalpatus 5 130 93%

[0075] The foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention. Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0076] The present invention provides a safer, non-toxic, economical and sustainable source of CO2.
[0077] The present invention provides a biodegradable source of CO2 which is safe for humans as well as pets and does not contain any unpleasant odor.
[0078] The present invention provides a biodegradable source of CO2 which can be effectively incorporated in mosquito traps.
[0079] The present invention provides a biodegradable source of CO2 which can be used in indoor as well as outdoor mosquito traps.
[0080] The present invention provides a biodegradable source of CO2 which works independent of power supply.
[0081] The present invention provides a biodegradable source of CO2 which does not increase the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.