Physics World August 28, 2019
Researchers at Brown University investigated the fundamental interactions between graphene-based films and the globally important mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, through a combination of live mosquito experiments, needle penetration force measurements, and mathematical modeling of mechanical puncture phenomena. The results showed that graphene or graphene oxide nanosheet films in the dry state are highly effective at suppressing mosquito biting behavior on live human skin. Behavioral assays indicated that the primary mechanism is not mechanical puncture resistance, but rather interference with host chemosensing. This interference is proposed to be a molecular barrier effect that prevents Aedes from detecting skin-associated molecular attractants trapped beneath the graphene films and thus prevents the initiation of biting behavior. The research insights could provide a basis for new skin coverings that prevent the spread of infectious diseases…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Mosquito blocker: insects were thwarted by a graphene-based barrier. (Courtesy: Brown University)