2010-Microencapsulation Technology using Essential Oils to Produce Acaricides against House Dust Mites

Microencapsulation Technology using Essential Oils to Produce Acaricides against House Dust Mites

Joo Ran Kim, University of Georgia

Inhalant indoor allergens such as house dust mites (HDM) are risk factors for asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (Korgaard, 1998).
HDM, shown in Fig.1, feeds on human dander and can live for several months on mattresses, upholstery, or carpet. Although stripped off human skin cells cannot serve as a food for HDM as they are generally dehydrated and include much fat, the exfoliated skin cells under carbon and oxygen-rich environments can be decomposed by Aspergillus fungi and thus
can be provided for HDM (Verhoeff and Burge, 1997). HDM feces, which cause allergy, are micro size particles of 10 to 40 microns and attached easily to diverse upholstered furniture, carpets, and bedclothes.
HDM feces have antigen and they are maintaining the buildup of the allergens. Synthetic acaricides and the other anti-mite agents have been an effective material into account to prevent the breeding of HDM; but it can cause adverse effects on humans by direct contact with human skin. To avoid the adverse effects of synthetic agents, the essential oils can be used alternative source because of their insecticidal and antimicrobial activities (Huang et al., 2000).