The feasibility of microbial mosquito repellents

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, this novel approach will bring natural, microbial powered repellents to market. 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. With progress, the focus remains on rigorous evaluation to ensure that the 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.

UKRI project details

Product Development
Vector Control

Apr 2024 — Apr 2025

$126,439

United Kingdom