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Multimodal platform for ITN efficacy: Surface chemistry; bioavailability; and mosquito behavior

delete2026-04-08
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OA
AI
H
Hanafy M. Ismail *
N
Nga Tsing Tang
J
Jeff Jones
K
Kyle J. Walker
J
Jonathan Thornton
M
Mark J. I. Paine
S
Stephan Karl
L
Lisa J. Reimer
R
Rasmita Raval *
DOI:10.1126/sciadv.aeb2023delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are crucial for malaria control, but their efficacy is compromised by rising mosquito resistance. To better understand ITN effectiveness, we present a multidisciplinary framework through a case study examining the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from ITN coatings and its impact on malaria vectors in East and West Africa. Our results show that PFAS-free pyrethroid nets exhibit reduced bio-efficacy against resistant malaria vectors compared with PFAS-based nets, despite both meeting deltamethrin specifications. Surface characterization reveals that PFAS stabilizes smaller, noncrystalline deltamethrin particulates enhancing bioavailability, while PFAS-free coatings promote particulate aggregation with an increased population of crystalline deltamethrin. Behavioral assays suggest that PFAS-free formulations reduce mosquito contact time and insecticide uptake, with resistant strains showing decreased irritancy and knockdown. These findings highlight the trade-offs of PFAS removal and stress the need for a multidisciplinary approach combining advanced chemical analytics and behavioral assessments to optimize ITNs for effective malaria control while considering environmental sustainability.
Keywords:
Surface chemistry
bioavailability
mosquito behavior
PFAS-free nets
malaria control

Journal

Science Advances cover
Science Advances
IF:
12.5
Papers:
2.0W
Citations:
18.1W

Organization

U
University of Liverpool
Scholars:
2.8W
Papers: 2.5W
Citations: 3.5W
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine cover
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Scholars:
4.5K
Papers: 3.1K
Citations: 3.2K
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