IR007: A longer-lasting and safe arthropod repellent to replace DEET
IR007 is a novel mosquito and arthropod repellent designed to replace DEET. It offers over 12 hours of protection, is non-plasticizing, has a pleasant aroma, and is cost-effective to produce. The solution targets expanding insect-borne disease threats.
Overview
IR007 is an innovative arthropod repellent developed to address the limitations of DEET, a commonly used insect repellent. As insect-borne diseases spread to new geographic regions, there is an urgent need for more effective protective solutions. IR007 offers significant advantages over DEET, including over 12 hours of protection against mosquito species like Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi, which are primary vectors for diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria. Additionally, IR007 is safe, non-plasticizing, and features an appealing aroma, enhancing user acceptance.
Technical specifications
- Extended Protection: Provides more than 12 hours of protection compared to 4-5 hours with 25% DEET formulations.
- Safety and Comfort: Unlike DEET, IR007 does not act as a plasticizer and has a mild, pleasant aroma, making it more user-friendly.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The production of IR007 is inexpensive, making it accessible for widespread use.
- Testing Methods: Arm-in-cage assays have demonstrated its superior efficacy against multiple mosquito species.
Technology readiness level
IR007 is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, indicating that it has undergone significant validation in controlled settings. Future plans include further testing in arm-in-cage assays to confirm its efficacy against a broader range of arthropods, evaluation of its effects on various synthetic materials, shelf-life testing, and field efficacy trials. The development team is exploring licensing agreements and may consider establishing a company for global production and distribution.
About University of California, Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara is a comprehensive public research university with a collaborative, innovation‑driven culture. Industry partners engage through co‑located cleanrooms and prototyping suites, campus‑wide shared instrumentation, and flexible sponsored‑research agreements coordinated by an industry partnerships team. The coastal campus sits within a Central Coast technology corridor, supporting close collaboration, recruiting pipelines, capstone engagements, and short‑course training tailored to corporate needs. Research is sustained by competitive federal funding from NSF, DOE, DOD, and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation to speed commercialization.
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