A method of treating at least one surface includes a step of contacting the at least one surface with an aqueous solution obtained by mixing in water an aqueous formulation having at least one biosurfactant and at least one organic acid. The weight ratio between the at least one biosurfactant and the at least one organic acid is between 1:1000 and 10:1, in an amount such that the aqueous solution includes the at least one biosurfactant in an amount between 0.0001 and 10% by weight and the at least one organic acid in an amount between 0.001 and 10% by weight. The at least one biosurfactant is selected from glycolipids, lipopeptides, lipoproteins, phospholipids and polymeric biosurfactants. The at least one organic acid is selected from citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, maleic acid, formic acid, caprylic acid, methanesulfonic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, and polyaspartic acid.

Liquid formulations for controlling arthropod infestation that comprise particles carrying chemical agents that have activity against arthropods, the particles being suspended within the liquid formulation, uses therefor, and methods of producing such liquid formulations.

Liquid formulations for controlling arthropod infestation that comprise particles carrying chemical agents that have activity against arthropods, the particles being suspended within the liquid formulation, uses therefor, and methods of producing such liquid formulations.

A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. Due to the water sensitivity of the modified starch, however, it may be subsequently dispersed by moisture when it is desired to release the botanical oil.

A method for forming a composition that includes mixing an antimicrobially active botanical oil (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, etc.) and a modified starch polymer within a melt blending device (e.g., extruder) is provided. Unlike the problems associated with proteins, the use of starch polymers allows for a greater degree of flexibility in the processing conditions and is still able to achieve good properties in the resulting composition. The present inventors have also discovered that a plasticizer may be employed to facilitate melt processing of the starch, as well as to enhance the ability of the botanical oil to flow into the internal structure of the starch where it can be retained in a stable manner. The composition is also typically generally free of solvents. In this manner, the starch will not generally disperse before use and prematurely release the botanical oil. Due to the water sensitivity of the modified starch, however, it may be subsequently dispersed by moisture when it is desired to release the botanical oil.

A slow-release silk thread and a method for preparing the slow-release silk thread are provided. The slow-release silk thread includes a substrate layer, a slow-release layer, and a protective layer. The slow-release layer is provided between the substrate layer and the protective layer. The slow-release layer includes porous microspheric particles in which a functional agent is adsorbed. The slow-release silk thread obtains a composite structure through the method and realizes slow release of the functional agent by taking advantage of an adsorption performance of a special granular powder, thereby prolonging effective duration of the functional agent.

A slow-release silk thread and a method for preparing the slow-release silk thread are provided. The slow-release silk thread includes a substrate layer, a slow-release layer, and a protective layer. The slow-release layer is provided between the substrate layer and the protective layer. The slow-release layer includes porous microspheric particles in which a functional agent is adsorbed. The slow-release silk thread obtains a composite structure through the method and realizes slow release of the functional agent by taking advantage of an adsorption performance of a special granular powder, thereby prolonging effective duration of the functional agent.

A slow-release silk thread and a method for preparing the slow-release silk thread are provided. The slow-release silk thread includes a substrate layer, a slow-release layer, and a protective layer. The slow-release layer is provided between the substrate layer and the protective layer. The slow-release layer includes porous microspheric particles in which a functional agent is adsorbed. The slow-release silk thread obtains a composite structure through the method and realizes slow release of the functional agent by taking advantage of an adsorption performance of a special granular powder, thereby prolonging effective duration of the functional agent.

A wearable device for repelling head-lice is disclosed comprising a fastener for holding the device in contact with head-hair, and a container attached to the device, the container is adapted to hold an absorbent material out of contact with the head hair. The absorbent material may be suitable to absorb a lice-repellent material, and to release the lice-repellent in the form of gas.

A wearable device for repelling head-lice is disclosed comprising a fastener for holding the device in contact with head-hair, and a container attached to the device, the container is adapted to hold an absorbent material out of contact with the head hair. The absorbent material may be suitable to absorb a lice-repellent material, and to release the lice-repellent in the form of gas.