On Tuesday December 18th at 5:15 pm Prof. Walter Focke will give a talk about
“The effect of migration of small molecules in polymers on the design of controlled release devices for malaria vector control”
Malaria vector control aims to prevent malaria parasite transmission by either repelling or killing the disease transmitting mosquitoes. In the latter case the insect killing is done either before humans are bitten or, rather surprisingly, afterwards! Controlled release of repellents and insecticides, over extended periods of time, is required in order to achieve these goals cost effectively.
This presentation will discuss the physics and thermodynamics behind the technologies that are implemented in the design of polymerbased products that provide long lasting vector control effects. It includes long lasting insecticidal bed nets and wall linings, insect repellent bracelets, fibres and fabrics, as well as micro capsules for larviciding. Successful design of such products relies on the targeted exploitation of a range of physical phenomena. This presentation will focus on the application of the physical phenomena of phase separation (nucleation and growth and spinodal decomposition) and small molecule migration (membrane permeability and blooming).
Where: VDP4 1.27
What are some of the challenges or obstacles faced in designing and implementing these long-lasting vector control products?