Long-lasting Insecticide-impregnated Bed Net

Under the current SBIR program, the DoD is interested in the development of an initial prototype insect bednet that is durable and lightweight, can be erected quickly and easily, will accommodate a standard Army cot allowing a soldier to comfortably sit on top of the cot, has a zippered opening and self-contained flooring, and, using an EPA-approved insecticide, maintains its insecticidal activity for at least 5 years without retreatment. In the Phase I basic program, METSS will first identify materials, methods and constructions (including commercial products) needed to develop effective insecticidal barriers that provide adequate ventilation characteristics. Longevity testing will explore retention of barrier insecticidal properties. A prototype bednet design will be evaluated against the stated program requirements. In an Option Phase, the physical characteristics of the selected barriers will be further quantified and accelerated aging will be used to evaluate long-term property retention. Finally, the bednet design will be refined to produce a prototype that could be utilized in a Phase II program.