(2nd Place) Optimizing comfort of CNC knitted micro-resolution mosquito bite blocking textiles

Mosquitos and other biting arthropods are responsible for the transmission of diseases worldwide, causing over 700,000 deaths annually. Preventing insect vectored illnesses is traditionally done through insecticides, impregnated clothing, and bed-netting. We report that modern wearable textiles don’t prevent mosquito bites. To address this problem, we have designed comfortable micro-resolution knitted structures that block mosquito bites. The structures we have constructed can be further modified using five adjustable parameters as well as changing the materials used in manufacturing. We then quantified the comfort of blocking garments to further improve comfort through fiber content changes. Using blocking configurations and comfort assessments, we have created a highly comfortable bite-blocking textile comparable to commercial athletic clothing in comfort, all while retaining bite-blocking ability. These designs were integrated into a computer numerical knitting robot for mass production of bite-blocking garments with minimal human labor. Our knits allow individuals to possess the power to protect themselves from mosquitos outside the usage of insecticides.