Malaria remains a leading cause of infant death, and current solutions like mosquito nets don’t provide continuous protection, especially during the day.
OUR CONCERN
Our Motto
PROTECTING THE FUTURE FROM THE VERY START
Our Solution?
M Shield is a low-cost, wearable infant fabric designed to protect babies from mosquito bites that can cause malaria. It uses microencapsulated natural oils for continuous protection and includes temperature-sensitive dyes to help detect fever early.
Figure 1.1: (On the left) Normal Temperature State, (On the right) Fever Temperature Detection State
How it works:
Composition of the Cloth
The M Shield wrap uses a three-layer smart textile system designed for protection, separation, and early detection.
Figure 1.2 [Vertical Diagram] Separated parts: outer layer, middle layer, and inner layer
Outermost Layer
Middle Layer
The outermost layer is responsible for mosquito defense. It contains microencapsulated natural repellent oils, such as lemon eucalyptus oil, embedded and bonded to the fabric. Through controlled-release microcapsule technology, small amounts of repellent are gradually released into the surrounding air over time, creating a protective vapor barrier around the infant. An oleophobic inner coating helps direct the oils outward while preventing them from migrating toward the baby’s skin.
The middle layer functions as a spacer double-knit buffer zone, made to create a small insulating air gap between the outer and inner layers. This separation prevents the repellent microcapsules from interacting with the heat-sensing components, while also improving thermal stability, comfort, and overall safety.
Inner Layer
The inner layer is a soft cotton-bamboo sensor fabric designed for sensitive infant skin. It is breathable, hypoallergenic, and sits directly against the baby’s body. Embedded within this layer are thermochromic leuco dye microcapsules, positioned in the axillary region for more accurate temperature sensing. When body temperature rises to around 38 degrees Celsius, the dye undergoes a visible color shift, creating an immediate fever alert for caregivers and supporting earlier detection of potential malaria symptoms.”
Method: Microencapsulation
Figure 2,2 [Vertical Diagram] Stages of Microencapsulation
The core materials— leuco dyes or essential oils— are combined with a wall material to form an emulsion. This mixture then undergoes a process called spray drying to create the microcapsules. In the process of spray drying, the emulsion is sprayed through a fine nozzle into a chamber of hot air. As the tiny droplets travel through the chamber, the outer wall material rapidly dries and solidifies, forming a protective shell around the core material. This results in uniform, microscopic capsules that can safely contain the active ingredients.
BENEFITS
1
Dual Protection
Mosquito Defense and Fever Detection
M Shield combines mosquito bite prevention and fever monitoring in one product. The repellent outer layer helps reduce malaria exposure, while integrated thermochromic dyes support early symptom detection, giving the wrap both protective and diagnostic value.
2
Durability
Long-Lasting Wearable Defense
Through microencapsulation and durable fabric bonding, the repellent remains effective through repeated use and washing, providing sustained protection without constant reapplication.
3
Early Detection
Temperature-Sensing Fever Alert System
Integrated leuco dyes change color when the infant’s temperature reaches a fever threshold, giving caregivers an immediate visual warning and supporting earlier intervention.
4
Safety
Infant-Friendly, Non-Toxic Materials
Organic cotton-bamboo fabric, natural oils, bio-based capsules, and skin-safe binders make the wrap breathable, gentle, and safe for sensitive infant skin.
5
Accessibility
Low-Cost Protection for Vulnerable Communities
Affordable materials and reusable design keep costs low, making malaria prevention more accessible for underserved families.
6
Reduced oil waste, washable long-lasting materials, and bio-based components make the product a more sustainable alternative to conventional repellents.