Neuromodulate Mosquito Feeding Behavior to Enhance Field Surveillance of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Abstract

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed compositions and methods for enhancing mosquito feeding behavior, which could aid in detecting mosquitoes and the pathogens they carry. Mosquitoes continue to be a significant threat to global health. Their ability to vector deadly diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya make mosquito control an indispensable tool for protecting public health. Passive, unpowered devices are one method used to detect mosquitoes or pathogens that infect the mosquitoes. The devices can use DNA aptamer-gold nanoparticle conjugates (Au-aptamers) to enable colorimetric detection.

However, mosquito feeding is variable, with many mosquitoes showing insufficient feeding for colorimetric detection analysis. The UCF invention provides a solution to this issue by neuromodulating the various feeding receptors of mosquitoes to increase their feeding, making their engorged bodies easier to identify and assess.

Technical Details

In some example applications of the invention, the mosquito food source is 10% sucrose. The composition can further comprise 15 mM NaCl, 1 mM NaHCO3, 1 µM MgCl2, 5 µM ß,?-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium salt (ß,?-met ATP), or a combination of food sources. In another example, the mosquito neuromodulation agent may include an octopaminergic agonist, a MAO-B inhibitor, a 5-HT2A agonist, a TRPA1 agonist, a broad-spectrum neuropeptide receptor agonist, or a combination of agents.

Partnering Opportunity

The research team is looking for partners to develop the technology further for commercialization.

Benefit

Market Application

Publications

Aptamer–gold nanoparticle conjugates for the colorimetric detection of arboviruses and vector, RSC Advances, 31 Jul 2019, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C9RA02089F.