ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase II: NIAID

Description

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT We propose to develop SPLAT BACa novel mosquito control formulation targeting multiple species of disease vectors around the worldthrough a controlled release formulation of bacterial larvicidesBacillus thuringiensis subspisraelensis and Bacillus sphaericusSPLAT BAC is intended for outdoor application prior to the rainy seasona characteristic that represents an invaluable advantage over previous mosquito control methodsmost of which target only indoor feeding mosquitoesand rely upon conventional insecticidesSPLAT BAC is an environmentally friendlysprayable formulation that will be applied to flood plains and other mosquito breeding sites up to one month before the start of the rain seasonand will affix to the application site until being submerged by a flooding eventThe SPLAT BAC point sources will detach from their substrates following a submersion period designed to correspond with peak larval emergenceand float to the surface of the waterwhere most mosquito larvae rest and feedthereby ensuring the release of the bacterial larvicides into the larvae s environment at the precise time and location that they will be most likely to respond to and feed upon themThe Phase II objectives designed to further the development of this novel pest control solution are as followsCreate a universal SPLAT BAC mosquito larvicide formulationeffective against multiple mosquito vectors worldwideLaboratory bioassays and efficacy studies will be conducted against several mosquito vector speciesevaluating the performance of SPLAT BAC with additional attractive componentsoviposition attractants and two promising phagostimulantsblood meal and yeastas well as field aging and environmental tests to ensure that SPLAT BAC behaves as required for a preemptive mosquito control productOptimize SPLAT BAC for ultra versatile and cost effective application with manualmechanicalgroundand aerial equipmentA broad range of manual and mechanical application equipment will be tested with SPLAT BAC in the labboth for ease of use and to determine the impact of application method upon the product s efficacy and field lifeSpecialized Backpack and ATV based equipment will also be designed specifically for SPLAT BACDemonstrate the potential of SPLAT BAC for adoption by mosquito control programs in the United StatesThis work will be conducted in collaboration with vector control professionals in multiple states to evaluate the potential of SPLAT BAC for incorporation into public and private mosquito control programsDevelop SPLAT BAC application procedures for effectiveaffordable mosquito control in the developing world where MBDs have the most devastating impacts BAC will be tested for its efficacy against key African vector speciesas well as its ability to function as designed under the more challenging environmental conditions present in tropical regionsLarge scale field trials will also be conducted with the cooperation of mosquito control professionals in east Africato determine SPLAT BAC s capacity to suppress vector populations in this regionas well as the most effective application methods for these environments