Unmet Need: Mosquitoes and other insect vectors represent a major global health threat by transmission of diseases such as malaria, dengue and zika. With increasing insecticide resistance and the negative environmental impact of chemicals, there is an urgent need for novel, eco- friendly insect vector control methods.
Technical Details: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a biopesticide using a natural soil bacterium, Chromobacterium (Csp_P) that is active against multiple stages of insect vectors of human disease, as well as agricultural pest insects. A non-live air-dried preparation of Csp_P rapidly kills target insects by ingestion through an artificial nectar or other food bait. This biodegradable natural product -based biopesticide foregoes use of environmentally harsh chemicals. In addition, production is simple and cost-effective, and the biopesticide has a remarkable shelf-life at storage conditions as well as when deployed in the field. Semi-field trials were conducted and demonstrated high efficacy against field-derived mosquitoes in natural breeding waters, indicating suitability of the biopesticide for use at natural conditions of disease endemic areas. Overall, the Csp_P -based biopesticide represents a novel insecticide for the control of multiple mosquito species and other insect pests.
Value Proposition:
· Effective against both larval and adult stages of multiple mosquito species that vector human pathogens
· Effective against agricultural pests.
· Delivery via laval pellets and artificial nectar feeding achieves effective mosquito control
· Simple and cost-effective production
· Long shelf life and stability
Looking for Partners to: Develop & commercialize the technology as a possible broad-spectrum biopesticide to control transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Stage of Development: Pre-Clinical
Data Availability: Animal data
Inventors: George Dimopoulos, Eric Caragata, Raul Saraiva
Patent Status: Pending
Associated technology: For more information please see related technology C12694.
Publication(s): Caragata EP, Otero LM, Carlson JS, Dizaji NB, Dimopoulos G. (2020) A nonlive preparation of Chromobacterium sp. Panama (Csp_P) is a highly effective larval mosquito biopesticide. AEM 86(11): e00240-20.
