Our creative team considered the limitations of topical repellents, and raised a hypothetical question: If fragrances can be embedded in magazine pages, why not a repellent? Better yet, since children love bedtime stories, why not put a repellent in a book? For that matter, we could turn many common physical objects into new forms of repellents and reinvent the entire category.

Initially we focused on transforming a book, utilizing a safe, natural compound – citronella, clove, and neem oils. It required Ananse to develop a proprietary microcapsule technology and varnish to seal the repellent into the pages. The repellent would activate with the turn of a page, and repel mosquitos within 1- to 2-meters.

We wrote and illustrated the book, named “Safe Stories,” about how a little book protected children from mosquitos. Parents could read it to their children. Left in a crib overnight, it would create a mosquito-free zone.

The pilot launch of “Safe Stories” occurred at the end of April, 2016. It will be the first “Safe Story” in a series. The microcapsule technology will likely be applied to other books in Brazil, which has a population of 200 million and has the world’s largest children’s book market. Repellent book technology can also be licensed in other countries where mosquitos spread disease.

Ananse scientists are exploring ways to apply its repellent nanotechnology to apparel and other objects. In the meantime, 1,000 books were given away in April to mothers in Brazilian nurseries and daycare centers where there are outbreak “red alerts” for Zika and dengue.

The book can now be ordered at cost (USD$3, plus shipping) by contacting Ananse at http://www.ananse.com.br/historiasseguras/. Ananse will ship anywhere in the world, and is ramping up production to meet expected global demand.

Early Outcome / Awareness: The repellent book has been endorsed by Brazil’s Health Department and approved for use and distribution. It has also received the endorsement of respected leading pediatricians in Brazil.

Early Output / Business Results:

The pilot launch of the book to limited trade and local Brazil media occurred the last week of April, during which 1,000 copies were donated to parents at a day-care in a region reporting one of the highest Zika outbreaks. Additional media outreach is planned in May.

Limited books are now for sale at cost from Ananse, with thousands more in production, as demand is expected to soar within Brazil and abroad.

Consumers can purchase the book at cost (USD3, plus shipping). Ananse will ship anywhere in the world, and plans to serve hardest-hit regions first.

Discussions are underway with book publishers to mass-produce the book, and more “Safe Stories” are in development.