SCENT AND DEFENSE: DUAL FUNCTION ENCAPSULATED OIL, A COMBINED NOVEL APPROACH FOR PERFUME AND MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Mosquito-borne diseases, comprising malaria, dengue, chikungunya virus, and zika virus pose a significant threat to public health. To prevent the transmission of these illness, it is crucial to use effective mosquito repellents. Although traditional repellents, such as DEET, are widely employed, they are derived from chemical synthesis and can have detrimental effects on human health. As a result, there has been an increasing trend towards using natural extracts and oils, such as essential oils, as mosquito repellents. Essential oils are derived from natural sources and possess aromatic properties, bioactive effects and insect repellency. Integrating mosquito repellency into personal care products is a promising strategy for enhancing the use of these oils. However, essentials oils are volatile and tend to degrade, limiting their long-term efficacy. Encapsulation technology offers several advantages, such as increased stability and efficacy, controlled release of active ingredients, and prolonged repellent activity. Additionally, this technique preserves the aromatic properties of essential oils, making it a versatile approach for the development of consumer-friendly products that meet both aesthetic and protective requirements. This study explores a novel approach that combines the dual function of encapsulated essential oils, providing a promising solution for the development of personal care products that offer effective mosquito repellency.