A novel spatial (non-topical) mosquito repellent using unique bio-friendly chemical compound

Category

Chemistry & Materials , Veterinary & Animal science

Keywords

Chemical compound, mosquito Olfactory system, repellent, spatial

Current development stage

TRL4 Technology validated in lab

Collaboration Opportunity

Sponsored Research with an option to License Research Results

Application

The mosquito is the most dangerous insect on earth. No other species, including our own, is responsible for the loss of as many human lives each year as mosquitoes are. The diseases that mosquitos carry and transmit to people through bites, kill 725,000[1] annually (most from malaria).

One kiss from a female mosquito causes an unpleasant itch at best and at worst may inject into the blood stream unsavory microscopic visitors.

There are many insect repellents on the market, however, a majority of them are topical repellents, effective only for ashort range (<100 cm).

Our Innovation

A novel spatial (non-topical) mosquito repellent, for long range based on an unique chemical compound

• Long range of action (one meter or longer)
• High user acceptability
• Long lasting once applied
• Long shelf life

Technology

• Thousands of olfactory receptors belonging to different gene families have been identified in various insect species. Each species exhibits between 60 to 400 receptor genes.
• Using molecular methods and understanding mosquitos’ peripheral olfactory system and the situational context of their behavior a spatial mosquito repellent was developed
• This spatial mosquito repellent is a GRAS, DEET – free stable and safe chemical compound with a known mechanism of action.
• It is also an environmentally friendly volatile solution, that can be used in large doses.

Opportunity

• Personal and area protection over a long range (>100 cm)
• The researcher is interested in industry sponsored research funding and/or licensing of the technology.

[1]https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mosquitoes-kill-more-humans-human-murderers-do-180951272/

Project manager

Ilya Pittel
VP, BD AGTECH, FOODTECH, VETERINARY & ENVIRONMENT

Project researchers

Jonathan Bohbot
HUJI, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences
Entomology