A new fabric developed by researchers in India that can neutralize organophosphate-based pesticides
The fabric, developed by inStem in Bengaluru, can deactivate organophosphate pesticides upon contact.
Organophosphates are chemical compounds formed through the esterification process involving phosphoric acid and alcohol.
These chemicals serve as primary components in herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides and have extensive application in manufacturing plastics and solvents.
This is an improvement over a previous gel-based solution due to better compliance (people are more likely to wear clothing than apply a gel).
Organophosphate pesticides inhibit an enzyme (acetylcholinesterase or AChE) crucial for nerve and muscle function.
The fabric uses small molecules covalently bonded to cotton to break down the pesticide molecules before they reach the skin.
This method is effective even after 150 washes, making it affordable and reusable.
Unlike physical barriers, the fabric neutralizes the pesticides through a chemical reaction.
Rat studies showed the fabric protected them from AChE inhibition and death caused by organophosphate exposure.
This fabric has the potential to prevent chronic health problems in farmers who are repeatedly exposed to pesticides.
Developing a single solution for various pesticides and ensuring easy fabric production were key challenges overcome by the researchers.
COMMENTS