A scientist from Hyderabad has spearheaded a groundbreaking development aimed at protecting farmers from harmful insecticides.
Praveen Kumar Vemula, a researcher at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine in Bengaluru, has led a team to create an innovative fabric designed for anti-insecticide suits and masks. This lifesaving fabric is expected to significantly reduce the health risks faced by those farmers who spray insecticides without protective gear.
Vemula is an alumnus of Osmania University
The research findings, titled “Oxime-functionalized anti-insecticide fabric reduces insecticide exposure through dermal and nasal routes, and prevents insecticide-induced neuromuscular dysfunction and mortality,” were published in Nature Communications.
The study highlights the dangers of insecticide exposure through dermal and nasal routes, particularly for farmers who lack adequate protective gear.
“Acetylcholinesterase plays a crucial role in controlling neuromuscular function. Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to severe neuronal and cognitive dysfunction, breathing disorders, loss of endurance, and death. To address this issue, we developed an Oxime-fabric by covalently attaching silylpralidoxime to the cellulose of the fabric,” explained the researchers.
The Oxime-fabric, when stitched into a bodysuit and facemask, efficiently deactivates insecticides upon contact, preventing exposure.
This innovative fabric prevents insecticide-induced neuronal damage, neuromuscular dysfunction, and loss of endurance. Remarkably, tests showed a 100% survival rate in rats repeatedly exposed to organophosphate insecticide when using the Oxime-fabric, compared to no survival with direct insecticide application or use of normal fabric.
#Hyderabad #Bangalore #Farmers #Science
Courtesy / Source by : https://x.com/sudhakarudumula/status/1810141017204736063?t=akqjMGUtRTSkJ5_IithgzA&s=19
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