Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Microbial insecticides are microscopic living organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa or nematodes) or the toxins produced by these organisms. During mosquito larval survey (1999), protozoan (Chilodonella uncinata), a facultative parasite was accidentally discovered killing mosquito larvae growing in paddy fields in Sonepat District, Haryana state of India. Subsequent follow up studies resulted in preparation of a semi-dry formulation (microbial control agent) wherein the parasite remains inactivated but gets reactivated within 24 hours when released in water. Ch. uncinata has many properties of a good biological control agent for mosquito vectors of human diseases including malaria and dengue viz., easily produced, robust, tolerant to desiccation, facility to recycle in environment, trans-ovarian transmission, induce blood feeding inhibition in infected adults mosquitoes, and not harmful to larvivorous fish. National and international patents were filed during 2001-02 on â�?�?A Microbial Control Agent for Mosquito Vectors of Human Diseasesâ�?. So far, six countries have granted this patent including USA and Australia. Subsequently (2010-12), Ch. uncinata BP 610 strain updated at the Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi was deposited with the international depository authority-American type culture collection, USA. The formulation made out of Ch. uncinata BP 610 has a shelf life of >18 months. Using an already present, non-genetically modified organism that can survive unfavourable conditions to combat the mosquito menace is a very different and novel approach from the conventional methods. Another advantage of using such a formulation that has great utility as well as can be stored and transported relatively easily.

Biography

Bina Pani Das completed her PhD from Delhi University. She is a Medical Entomologist worked with premier organization, National Centre for Disease Control (1985-2007) and with Jamia Millia Islamia University till 2012. She has published 4 books and over 20 papers in national & international journals, her recent book being “Mosquito Vectors of Japanese Encephalitis Virus from Northern India” by Springer in 2012. She is the inventor of a patent entitled “Microbial Control Agent for Mosquito Vectors of Human Diseases” granted by six countries including USA, and Australia.

Email: bpdasnicd@gmail.com