The most efficient insect repellents are DEET (N, N-diethhyl-meta-toluamide) from synthetic origin and citronella essential oil from natural origin. However, there are other products that can also be used as insect repellents from synthetic origin, such as: DEPA (N, N-Diethyl Phenylacetamide), Icaridin, IR3535 and Permethrin and, of natural origin: Carapa guianesis, Atemisia vulgaris, Ocimim., basilicum, Cinnamomum camphora, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus sp, Cymbopogon, Mentha pulegium. All those products are the basis of most commercial repellents; however the action of these repellents is of short duration, due to the volatility of the chemical compounds of these products and, therefore they offer an uncontrolled release. The authors have shown that there would be an alternative to control their release based on the complexation of the active principle (the repellent oil). Thus, the repellent will have its prolonged effect and will protect the user longer. The active principle can be used in repellent products, applied to the skin via spray or can be used on textiles. According to Lis Arias et al. when used in textiles, these products become biofunctional, enabling the delivery of assets for cosmetotextiles applications. Due to its specific response, biofunctional textiles are especially useful when the textile comes into close contact with the skin. Thus, these products can be used as insect repellents, reducing the number of infections caused by these vectorsPostprint (published version
