1. TECHNICAL INSIGHTS
ALERT

2. Industrial Bioprocessing Alert
CONTROLLING MOSQUITOES WITH YEAST-BASED LARVICIDE
Mosquitoes have long been a bane to mankind. Infamous as an irritating
pest that causes itchy bites, mosquitoes are the main culprits for the spread of
deadly diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis.
Mosquito-transmitted diseases are responsible for millions of deaths worldwide,
and in some cases capable of causing widespread outbreaks.
Rather than risking a disease epidemic, governments, health organizations
and consumers alike have lauded campaigns to control mosquito vector
populations to nip the problem in the bud. Consequently, Malaysian company
EntoGeneX Industries has proposed a natural biocontrol solution for eradicating
mosquitoes in our communities.
EntoGeneX has launched MOUSTIcide, a trypsin-modulating oostatic factor
(TMOF)-based mosquito larvicide, as well as Moustique, which uses the EGX-101
biorepellent. TMOF is an active peptide expressed by the nonpathogenic yeast
Pichia pastoris, which kills mosquito larvae when ingested. MOUSTIcide applied to
mosquito breeding sites has proven to be an environmentally friendly way to
control mosquito larvae populations in an aquatic environment, affording
protection for up to 4 weeks.
Conventional insecticides involve the use of airborne neurotoxic chemicals
sprayed in areas where adult mosquitoes are found. This raises problems such as
mosquitoes developing insecticide resistance, the need for frequent reapplication,
accidental killing of other insect species and negative environmental impacts.
TMOF is a natural larvicide, which is toxic only to mosquitoes and closely-related
insect species, ensuring a targeted solution of eliminating mosquito larvae
populations. In comparison, spraying kills the adult mosquito, but does not
eradicate the next generation of larvae, which is lurking in nearby stagnant water
supplies.
EGX-101 (found in nature in wild tomatoes), is an all-natural pest
repellent, which is applied to lotions and insect sprays for the prevention of
mosquito bites for up to 8 hours after application. It is a greener alternative to
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), the current standard active ingredient in
conventional insect repellents, which is perceived to be corrosive, odiferous, and
may cause toxic effects.
Use of this information is determined by license agreement; any unauthorized use is prohibited.
© 2010, Frost & Sullivan

3. Industrial Bioprocessing Alert
According to EntoGeneX founder and director of technology and innovation
Alan Brandt, both MOUSTIcide and Moustique products are highly effective tools
for vector control professionals and the general public. "Both products are
extremely safe with no toxic properties towards nontarget species, including
humans. Initial field evaluations of the products have shown that they are
extremely effective in reducing the incidence of dengue in areas where they are
utilized," he says.
In Malaysia where dengue outbreaks frequently occur, the Ministry of
Health is already using MOUSTIcide to control mosquito populations. Moustique
insect repellent is already available in selected commercial retailers throughout
the country.
The company expects that its products will replace conventional mosquito
control insecticides due to their environmentally friendly, safe, nontoxic nature,
as well as their specificity to mosquitoes and lack of resistance problems. Brandt
strongly believes in the uniqueness of EntoGeneX’s technology commenting,
"There are no products available anywhere in the world having these highly
desirable characteristics."
The company is in an exclusive license agreement with the University of
Florida, which holds 16 patents for TMOF technology while EGX-101 patent
applications are underway. In addition, TMOF has already been registered with
the US Environmental Protection Agency. The company already operates a pilot
plant in Malaysia, and is keen to expand its horizons to India, Sri Lanka, and
Africa.
This technology has been commercialized since 2009. It will have
applications in the biocontrol and pest control industries.
Details: Dr. Alan E. Brandt, Founder and Director of Technology &
Innovation, EntoGeneX Industries Sdn Bhd, Suite 16-04 & 17-04, Level 16 & 17,
GTower, 199 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Phone: +603-
2095-7188. Fax: +603-2095-7122. E-mail: aeb.entogenex@gmail.com. URL:
www.entogenex.com.
Use of this information is determined by license agreement; any unauthorized use is prohibited.
© 2010, Frost & Sullivan