The technology is based on an advanced scientific understanding of how two-winged blood-feeding insects, e.g. mosquitos and black flies, utilize their olfactory neurons to detect carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from animals and humans. CO2, which is a major component in human and animal breath, attracts the insect to its prey.

Developed by Anandasankar Ray, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of UC Riverside's Department of Entomology, the technology can be used as a repellent by inhibiting the detection of CO2 or as a trap by stimulating the detection of CO2. This radical new approach to fighting the transmission of infectious disease from blood-feeding insects is inexpensive and easy to produce, and uses chemicals that are safe and effective at the low concentrations required for these applications.

"We are excited to be working with Dr. Ray and his team at UC Riverside," said Amro Albanna, CEO of OlFactor Laboratories, Inc. and Avisio, Inc. "We look forward to shepherding the technology from its current technical feasibility status to full commercialization."

"We are fortunate to have a partner that understands the impact this new technology may have on millions of people around the world," said Craig Sheward, UC Riverside's Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization. "The company's ability to take this technology from the lab to a commercially viable product is of paramount importance as we move forward."