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A Novel Integrated Ultrasonic Brush and Sonically Activated Lotion to Provide a Full System Approach to the Eradication of the European Head Louse Menace

Objectif

Except for the common cold, head lice infestation is more common than all the other childhood communicable conditions combined (20 million people in the EU become infested each year with a treatment cost of approximately 375EUR million and untold contamination problems). The current treatment fine-tooth combing, which is unpleasant and difficult to administer, and pesticides, to which resistance is building rapidly have failed to solve the problem. Our proposed ClearBrush system is based around a full system approach to eradication of head lice. It aims to develop these innovative features and benefits:
Active Brush to remove eggs and lice
The brush will be usable in the same way as an ordinary brush. The ultrasonic bristles will vibrate in a carefully designed lateral mode, so that the bristle spacing can be greater than 0.5mm allowing all hair to pass through but exerting a destructive force on the attached eggs.
The brush will be large enough to capture, kill and remove any lice that can still move. A specially designed bristle profile will ensure that the scalp is not hurt. Active Lotion to immobilise lice, penetrate and kill eggs, and lubricate their removal
A novel complex thixotropic lotion, guided to the target area and given highly increased penetration by the ultrasonic brush bristles.
Naturally active Neem compounds, to give a new mode of pediculicidal (louse killing) effect, optimised through a patented high efficiency extraction process.

The consortium spans a supply chain of healthcare product producers and distributors, brush and ultrasonic hardware manufacturers, and active natural ingredient specialists, complemented by expert RTO Innowacja Polska, to develop the manufacturing technologies, and the UK's Insect Research and Development centre, to carry out the testing. The consortium includes representatives of the user and wholesale chains, to accurately target this important solution.

Appel à propositions

FP6-2003-SME-1
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Régime de financement

Data not available

Coordinateur

A NELSON & COMPANY LIMITED
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse
5 ENDEAVOUR WAY
WIMBLEDON, LONDON
Royaume-Uni

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Coût total
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Participants (7)