When More is Less: Mosquito Population Suppression Using Sterile, Incompatible and Genetically Modified Male Mosquitoes

The current review of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is motivated by new technologies and the recent renaissance of male release field trials, which is driving an evolution in mosquito control and regulation. Practitioners that are releasing male mosquitoes would do well to learn from past successes and failures, including political and public engagement complications. With examples that include nuanced integrations of the different technologies, e.g., combinations of Wolbachia and irradiation, it is critical that scientists understand and communicate accurately about the technologies, including their evolving management by different regulatory agencies in the USA. Some male release approaches are considered ‘pesticides’ and regulated by federal and state agencies, while other male release approaches are unregulated. It is important to consider how the new technologies fit with the more ‘traditional’ chemical applications of adulticides and larvicides. The economics of male release programs are substantially different from traditional control costs, which can be a challenge to their adoption by abatement districts. However, there is substantial need to overcome these complications and challenges, because the problem with invasive mosquitoes grows ever worse with factors that include insecticide resistance, globalization and climate change.

Characteristics of polyurethane nanowebs treated with silver nanowire solutions as strain sensors

This study presents a simple methodology to fabricate a conductive polyurethane nanoweb for use as a textile strain sensor. The purpose of this paper is to (1) fabricate an electrically-conductive polyurethane nanoweb coated with silver nanowires and investigate changes in its electrical resistance in relation to the amount of silver nanowires, (2) investigate changes in the electrical resistance of the polyurethane nanowebs under stretching, (3) evaluate the mechanical and chemical properties of the treated nanowebs, and (4) observe the breathability of the coated nanowebs. Silver nanowires dispersed in ethanol (AgNW) were diluted as necessary by addition of ethanol. Electrical conductivity was imparted to the polyurethane nanowebs by a pour-coating process utilizing AgNWs. The initial electrical resistance of the specimens and the changes with stretching up to 20% and release were recorded, and the data were analyzed. The electrical resistance decreased in accordance with the AgNW concentration. The electrical resistance increased under stretch and decreased upon release. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis displayed the polyurethane, the silver nanowire attachment to the fibers, and the silver nanowire networks. According to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, hydrogen bonds derived from the treatment with ethanol generated a crimp structure on the polyurethane nanowebs. Both tensile strength and bending rigidity increased after the treatment. Breathability tests showed that the specimens had semi-windproof and good water vapor transmission properties as textiles.

Antheraea pernyi Silk Fibroin Microspheres Carried Lysozyme

A method was developed to prepare the Antheraea Pernyi silk fibroin (ASF) microspheres using lysozyme as a model drug to estimate the application of ASF in drug controlled release field. The structure of ASF microsphere carried drug was characterized by X-ray diffraction and FTIR. The morphology and the influence of the microspheres on the degradation of lysozyme were investigated using scanning electron microscope. The results show that encapsulation rate was increased and drug content was decreased with the addition of lysozyme increasing. In vitro release of lysozyme from the ASF particles we demonstrated that the release kinetics depends on the pH. The pH played important roles in controlling lysozyme release profiles. It also can be seen that the degradation speed of lysozyme ASF microspheres slightly larger than the pure ASF microspheres.