Download Mosquito Inhibitor Background Seeks Partner to further research and to commercialize

Mosquito Inhibitor Seeks Partner to further research and to commercialize
technology
Background
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They are the number one public health menace, spreading
disease to an estimated 300-500 million people a year, resulting in over 3 million deaths.
Mosquitoes transmit the parasites and viruses that are responsible for Malaria, Dengue Fever,
Yellow Fever and many more infectious diseases including the West Nile Virus, a serious, lifealtering, and even fatal illness of particular concern in the United States. To combat this problem,
methodologies have been developed that attempt to regulate or
eradicate mosquitoes before they become adults. However, these
solutions contain either chemicals or bacteria that may be harmful
to the ecosystem and to humans.
The UNF Solution
University of North Florida researchers have created a unique, all
natural solution to control mosquitoes that does not threaten the
environment or humans. The UNF invention halts mosquitoes in
the larval stages before they become disease transmitting pests.
Unlike other larvicides, the UNF technology prolongs the larval life
cycle, increasing the availability of the mosquito as a viable source
of nutrition for the insect’s natural predators.
Technology
UNF researchers have harnessed the power of nature to create a safe alternative to mosquito
control. The UNF solution consists of a special combination of sugars that when consumed by
mosquito larvae, inhibit growth past the larval stage. These larvae never “pupate" therefore they
never emerge as adults.
Applications
Unlike many of the current larvicides on the market, the UNF solution is completely safe and
environmentally friendly. Small bodies of water, such as overturned garbage lids, pails, pots, and
birdbaths are all possible breeding grounds for mosquitoes. These problem areas can be eradicated
by UNF technology without the use of potentially dangerous chemicals. Other potential
applications include stagnant drinking water sources in areas such as Africa. The UNF invention
could decrease mosquito borne illness while not compromising the safety of the water source.
In addition, ongoing research into the triggering mechanism of the sugar and larvae interaction may
ultimately yield a product that is applicable to large bodies of water as well.
Competitive Analysis
There are several current methods for larvicide control:
Microbial larvicides bind and paralyze the inside of the mosquito larvae gut. The nutrients
mosquito larvae take in are unable to be processed and they starve. Microbial larvicides are nontoxic to humans, however, as it is a bacteria there is a possible danger of bacterial mutations that
may be dangerous to the environment.
Methoprene is an insect hormone that halts the growth of mosquito larvae. The mosquito larvae do
not mature and subsequently die. Methoprene has a low toxicity level to humans since there is little
chance of human interaction. Methoprene is not to be used in drinking water sources. Methoprene
poses risks to fresh water fish and invertebrates.
Temephos is an organophosphate that paralyzes the larvae’s central nervous system. Temephos
inhibits the natural cholinesterase in the central nervous system and kills the larvae. Temephos in
high concentrations can cause dizziness, nausea, and confusion in humans. Temephos is not to be
used in drinking water sources. Temephos poses risks to non-target beneficial species such as bees
and is toxic to some aquatic species.
Mononuclear films cover a body of water and make it difficult for mosquito larvae to breath, which
causes them to drown. Mononuclear films pose low toxicity to humans and are not to be used in
drinking water sources. They pose possible risks to non target species if applied incorrectly.
Oils cover a body of water and cause mosquito larvae to drown. This solution is similar to
mononuclear films. These films are made from petroleum and have been used in various
applications. Oils have a low toxicity and should not be used in drinking water sources. Oils can be
toxic to aquatic species if misapplied.
Like the above larvicides, UNF's invention halts the development of larvae. However, this solution
is made from environmentally safe and natural sugars. UNF's technology poses no threat to
humans or the environment. The UNF solution will not pollute drinking water sources and is safe
for human consumption.
Contact Information
Interested? Find out more by contacting Rosalyn Gilbert at the Office of Research and Sponsored
Programs, [email protected] or 904.620.2352