# Long Lasting Organic Semiochemical Formulation to Effectively Manage Blood Sucking Diptera.

> **NIH NIH SB1** · ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · 2024 · $1,000,000

## Abstract

Project Summary:
SPLAT BAC Plus is a unique controlled-release larvicide designed to suppress populations of multiple species of
mosquitoes, such as those that transmit malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus (WNV). This CRP proposal seeks
to establish SPLAT BAC Plus as an effective, economically viable control strategy for use in integrated vector
management (IVM) programs and for control of nuisance mosquitoes around the globe. SPLAT BAC Plus has
several advantages over previous larvicides: 1) It contains a combination of larvicidal agents with different modes
of action: Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), B. sphaericus (Bsp) [recently renamed Lysinibacillus
sphaericus]—two bacteria that destroy the gut of mosquitoes that ingest them—and an insect growth regulator
(IGR), such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen, that prevents larvae from developing into adults. This combination
drastically reduces the risk of resistance compared to single-action larvicides. While there are products on the
market combining Bti and Bsp, the inclusion of an IGR in SPLAT BAC Plus will further inhibit the development
of resistance and greatly extend the field life of the larvicide. 2) SPLAT BAC Plus includes components that
promote larval attraction and feeding on the formulation—intensifying their exposure to the Bti, Bsp, and IGR
contained within it—and oviposition attractants (attractants for egg-laying females). As point sources of SPLAT
BAC Plus float at the surface of treated water, these attractants are released into the air, enticing female
mosquitoes to lay their eggs preferentially at that site. 3) SPLAT BAC Plus can be applied to potential larval
habitats under dry conditions ahead of rainfall, a major advantage over most larvicides, which must be applied
shortly after these sites fill with water to catch mosquito larvae at a susceptible stage. 4) Following application,
SPLAT BAC Plus cures and becomes rainfast, becoming activated when the surfaces are submerged for a few
days, detaching and floating to the water's surface and releasing its attractants. After this point, SPLAT BAC Plus
remains buoyant and effective for up to 5 months, considerably longer than the 1–2 week-field life associated
with older Bti/Bsp larvicides. 5) SPLAT BAC Plus contains environmentally safe larvicides and semiochemical
attractants incorporated in an inert matrix composed of food-safe ingredients. To achieve global
commercialization of SPLAT BAC Plus, ISCA Technologies intends to pursue the following Specific Aims: 1)
Obtain the required regulatory approvals to begin sales of SPLAT BAC Plus in the US and begin penetration of
target international markets (e.g., Brazil, Tanzania); 2) Foster consumer support and buy-in via demonstration
trials of SPLAT BAC Plus with targeted distributors of mosquito control products, pest control operators (PCOs),
and mosquito control districts; and 3) Utilize SPLAT BAC Plus to launch a more diversified product line of
mosquito control technologies...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10773623
- **Project number:** 5SB1AI134144-06
- **Recipient organization:** ISCA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Agenor Mafra-Neto
- **Activity code:** SB1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,000,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-12 → 2026-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10773623

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10773623, Long Lasting Organic Semiochemical Formulation to Effectively Manage Blood Sucking Diptera. (5SB1AI134144-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10773623. Licensed CC0.

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