The Feasibility of Microbial Mosquito Repellents

  • Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
  • Total publications:0 publications

Grant number: 10109526

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Key facts

  • Disease

    Unspecified, Unspecified
  • Start & end year

    2024
    2025
  • Known Financial Commitments (USD)

    $125,112.74
  • Funder

    UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
  • Principal Investigator

    Alicia Showering
  • Research Location

    United Kingdom
  • Lead Research Institution

    BUGBIOME LIMITED
  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A
  • Research Category

    Animal and environmental research and research on diseases vectors

  • Research Subcategory

    Vector control strategies

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Non-Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    N/A

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Not Applicable

  • Vulnerable Population

    Not applicable

  • Occupations of Interest

    Not applicable

Abstract

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the plant. They are **vectors of lethal diseases** including malaria and dengue which contribute to **over 1 billion infections** and **\>700,000 fatalities every year**. Repellents can **deter day-biting mosquitoes** but **existing repellent fall short** in **efficacy, duration and formulation.** BugBiome's innovative platform **combines microbiology, bioinformatics and insect assays** to develop innovative **bioactive repellents** to **protect humans from mosquito bites**. In a radical departure from conventional repellents reliant on synthetic chemicals like DEET our **novel approach** will bring **natural, microbial powered repellents** **to** **market.** This project aims to **harness the power of the skin microbiome** to create a **safe and effective mosquito repellent.** Our strategy **exploits the skin microbiome's** potential to offer a **healthier, eco-friendlier alternative** to existing chemical repellents. The **anticipated outcome** of this project is a **novel bio-repellents** specifically **designed to protect people from mosquitoes**. Through **targeted and sustainable actives**, BugBiome aims to set a **new standard in insect protection** -- one that **aligns with the consumer demand** for longer-lasting non-chemical repellents. As we progress, our focus remains on rigorous evaluation to ensure our findings are robust and ready for real-world application. BugBiome is committed to **ecological sustainability** and is working towards a **new standard in pest management.**