Custom formulations for cochliomyia hominivorax control using colloidal silver dye
This solution offers custom formulations combining multiple drugs with colloidal silver for antiseptic and marking purposes. Designed for controlling Cochliomyia hominivorax, it promises enhanced wound retention and does not use organophosphates.
Overview
The proposed solution provides a custom formulation to control Cochliomyia hominivorax, commonly known as the screw-worm fly, using a combination of multiple drugs and colloidal silver. Colloidal silver serves dual purposes as both an antiseptic and a colourant to mark the dose location, ensuring long-lasting visibility. The formulation is designed to be viscous, allowing it to remain in place for effective wound retention, making it particularly suitable for use in veterinary or agricultural settings where treatment precision is crucial.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Multiple drug delivery: Formulations can be customized based on specific needs, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.
- Colloidal silver: Acts as an antiseptic and a colourant, providing both wound protection and marking ability.
- Viscous spray: Ensures that the formulation stays in place, enhancing wound retention and effectiveness.
- Off-the-shelf spray device: Utilizes easily available sprayers, tailored to the required volume of application.
- Additives for enhanced retention: Known compounds are used to improve skin wettability and solution viscosity.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting. The team is prepared to advance to product development and manufacturing, in collaboration with interested partners. Discussions about animal testing and further validations will be tailored to the specific requirements of the partnering company.
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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