TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Researchers at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) in Bengaluru have made significant advancements in developing an anti-insecticide fabric that neutralizes organophosphate-based pesticides.
EXPLANATION:
- This fabric aims to offer better protection for individuals, particularly farmers, who are frequently exposed to harmful pesticides.
Background and Previous Research
- Approximately six years ago, inStem researchers developed a topical gel designed to deactivate pesticides upon dermal application.
- Despite its effectiveness, concerns about compliance led researchers to seek an alternative solution.
- They aimed to create a method that would deactivate insecticides effectively without reducing user compliance.
Mechanism of Pesticide Toxicity
- Organophosphate-based pesticides work by binding and inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is critical for neuromuscular function.
- AChE is primarily found at neuromuscular junctions and chemical synapses of the cholinergic type. Its main function is to rapidly break down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) into acetic acid and choline. This termination of ACh signaling is crucial for normal neuromuscular and neuronal function.
- Organophosphate pesticides bind to and inhibit AChE, preventing it from breaking down ACh. This leads to a dangerous buildup of ACh, causing overstimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. The resulting cholinergic effects can include muscle twitching, paralysis, respiratory depression, and death.
- The degree of AChE inhibition is proportional to the amount of organophosphate exposure. Inhibition of AChE is the primary mechanism by which these pesticides exert their toxic effects on insects and other organisms, including humans.
- The inhibition of AChE can lead to severe health issues, including learning deficits, suffocation, paralysis, and muscle weakness.
Development of the Anti-Insecticide Fabric
- In a paper published in Nature Communications, the team from inStem detailed their creation of a cotton fabric coated with small molecules capable of deactivating insecticides.
- These small molecules are covalently bonded to the cellulose of the fabric, ensuring that the material remains breathable and durable.
- The small molecules function as nucleophiles, which detoxify pesticides through nucleophile-mediated hydrolysis, breaking the pesticide molecules into non-toxic products before they can reach the skin.
- One of the notable features of this fabric is its durability.
- The anti-insecticide properties of the fabric remain intact even after 150 washing cycles.
- This reusability makes the fabric a more affordable and practical solution compared to the previously developed gel, which likely increased user compliance.
- The development of this fabric was a collaborative effort with Sepio Health Pvt Ltd, a spin-off company from inStem.
- This partnership was crucial in bringing the anti-insecticide fabric from the research phase to a potentially marketable product.
Testing and Results
- To evaluate the fabric’s efficiency, researchers conducted experiments on rats.
- They measured active AChE levels in the blood before and three days after exposure to the insecticide.
- The results showed that while direct exposure or normal cloth did not prevent the drop in active AChE levels, the special fabric coated with small molecules maintained normal AChE levels.
- Furthermore, rats exposed to the insecticide using normal fabric died within four days, whereas none of the rats exposed in the presence of the special fabric died.
Implications for Farmers
- Farmers are frequently exposed to insecticides, leading to chronic toxicity and severe health effects.
- The animal study results indicate that the small molecule-coated fabric can prevent such chronic toxicity, offering a safer alternative for farmers.