EXPERTS IN SMART FABRICS

It is just a sheet, but it prevents malaria, dengue fever and other illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes. It contains microcapsules with a non-toxic, active ingredient that is capable of repelling mosquitoes carrying illnesses and can therefore be used as a powerful barrier to prevent disease from spreading. Over the last few years InnovaTec has led the “Scutum” project, which is developing these types of functional sheets. “We believed that if we were capable of introducing certain perfumes into the material using micro-encapsulation to make it smell good, we could also create sheets with mosquito repellent to prevent malaria”, says Fabregat.

Each fabric contains millions of microcapsules that are introduced into the fibers of the textile with a special resin. It works best with cotton, although it can also be used with other materials”, says Francisco Ibáñez.

The results, which form part of the technological cooperation project India & Spain Innovating (ISIP) of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), have been tested in India through alliances with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation and the Anchorage charity. “The data obtained allowed a valuable analysis to be carried out of the material’s properties, and contributed to the final success of the work”, says Ibañez.

The GIITEX (UPV) group, the CDTI and the Gaia association, the latter promoting Spanish-Indian technology projects, are behind this initiative. The program won the award for “Most Innovative Project” in the healthcare category at the Muy Interesante (Very Interesting) 2010 awards held in Madrid. This project aims to offer a new prevention method against malaria, which will halt its spread in countries where there is a higher risk of contagion.

The first approved prototype of the sheet proved effective for up to 20 washes. Despite the excellent results, and especially considering the washing techniques used during the testing, InnovaTec still wanted to go further. It has recently launched a new research project designed to prolong the useful life of the sheet as much as possible. The company has therefore just filed the patent for a non-industrial (i.e. in the home) process for recharging the microcapsules in these textiles, which will make the product much longer-lasting and thereby lower the cost. This is essential considering the living conditions of the people around the world that are most in need of these types of solutions. The new system removes the user’s dependency on manufacturers, which further extends the social benefits of the invention.

Jokin Garatea from Gaia association showing a Scutum sheet. Photo: Iñaki Andrés (El Mundo)

ArtIcle published in october 2011
Arantxa Noriega Lorenzo

EXPERTS IN SMART FABRICS

It is just a sheet, but it prevents malaria, dengue fever and other illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes. It contains microcapsules with a non-toxic, active ingredient that is capable of repelling mosquitoes carrying illnesses and can therefore be used as a powerful barrier to prevent disease from spreading. Over the last few years InnovaTec has led the “Scutum” project, which is developing these types of functional sheets. “We believed that if we were capable of introducing certain perfumes into the material using micro-encapsulation to make it smell good, we could also create sheets with mosquito repellent to prevent malaria”, says Fabregat.

Each fabric contains millions of microcapsules that are introduced into the fibers of the textile with a special resin. It works best with cotton, although it can also be used with other materials”, says Francisco Ibáñez.

The results, which form part of the technological cooperation project India & Spain Innovating (ISIP) of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), have been tested in India through alliances with the Vicente Ferrer Foundation and the Anchorage charity. “The data obtained allowed a valuable analysis to be carried out of the material’s properties, and contributed to the final success of the work”, says Ibañez.

The GIITEX (UPV) group, the CDTI and the Gaia association, the latter promoting Spanish-Indian technology projects, are behind this initiative. The program won the award for “Most Innovative Project” in the healthcare category at the Muy Interesante (Very Interesting) 2010 awards held in Madrid. This project aims to offer a new prevention method against malaria, which will halt its spread in countries where there is a higher risk of contagion.

The first approved prototype of the sheet proved effective for up to 20 washes. Despite the excellent results, and especially considering the washing techniques used during the testing, InnovaTec still wanted to go further. It has recently launched a new research project designed to prolong the useful life of the sheet as much as possible. The company has therefore just filed the patent for a non-industrial (i.e. in the home) process for recharging the microcapsules in these textiles, which will make the product much longer-lasting and thereby lower the cost. This is essential considering the living conditions of the people around the world that are most in need of these types of solutions. The new system removes the user’s dependency on manufacturers, which further extends the social benefits of the invention.

Jokin Garatea from Gaia association showing a Scutum sheet. Photo: Iñaki Andrés (El Mundo)

ArtIcle published in october 2011
Arantxa Noriega Lorenzo