GCE Special: Development of an RNAi based microalgal larvicide to control mosquitoes

This GCE project explored an RNAi strategy to control mosquitoes and prevent spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The strategy involved delivery of double-stranded RNA(dsRNA) elements to mosquito larvae using unicellular, transgenic algae as vectors. Significantly, microorganisms, including microalgae, are the primary source of nutrition for mosquito larvae in water bodies that serve as the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This strategy of delivering RNA elements to suppress essential target genes in mosquito larvae has many potential advantages over existing technologies.