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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.04.21.537869

CNC Knitting Micro-Resolution Mosquito Bite Blocking Textiles

Beckmann, J. F.·Holt, B.·Oswalt, K.·England, A.·Murphy, R.·Owens, I.·Finney, M.·Wong, N.·Adhikari, S.·McCann, J.
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Abstract

Mosquitoes and other biting arthropods transmit diseases worldwide, causing over 700,000 deaths each year, and costing about 3 billion annually for Aedes species alone. These insects also pose a significant threat to agricultural animals. While clothing could provide a simple solution to vector-borne diseases, modern textiles do not effectively block mosquito bites. To address this issue, we have designed three micro-resolution knitted structures, with five adjustable parameters, that can block bites. These designs were integrated into a computer numerical control knitting robot for mass production of bite-blocking garments with minimal human labor. We then quantified the comfort of blocking garments. Our knits enable individuals to protect themselves from insects amidst their day-to-day activities without impacting the environment. One Sentence SummaryWe create micro-resolution mosquito bite blocking knits produced by robotic manufacturing to protect humans against vector-borne disease.

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Beckmann, J. F., Holt, B., Oswalt, K., England, A., Murphy, R., Owens, I., Finney, M., Wong, N., Adhikari, S., McCann, J.. 2023-04-23. CNC Knitting Micro-Resolution Mosquito Bite Blocking Textiles. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.04.21.537869

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