Novel mosquito larvae in vivo insecticide screening: time resolved, miniaturized, and automated

Within the last decades merely a hand full of new insecticides with novel modes of actions were discovered. Only a few could be deployed in public health – mosquito management. At the same time new means to control disease transmitting mosquitoes are desperately needed, as insecticide resistance is steadily spreading.
To enable more scientific institutions (industry, academia, NGOs) to conduct insecticide screenings, there is an urgent need for a cost efficient miniaturized automated screening method. We evaluate the use of the WMicroTracker^TM machine for medium throughput insecticide screenings. The WMicroTracker^TM was developed to assess nematode motility in vitro in a miniaturized and time resolved manner. Here, we show that motility and activity of Aedes aegypti larvae can be detected using this technology.

Result: We were able to measure clear dose-response correlation. Differentiation regarding speed of action was possible due to the automated screening and adjustable time resolution. Although, some modes of action can evoke continuous vibration or movement of the larvae resulting in false positive activity, clear results can be achieved after 24h. With this technology its possible for research facilities to cost effectively perform medium throughput insecticide screenings on Ae. aegypti larvae for lead generation.