High-throughput phenotypic screening platform for novel insecticide discovery

Overview

Purdue University has developed a novel, high-throughput phenotypic screening platform designed to revolutionize insecticide discovery. The platform uses high-content image capture to rapidly evaluate phenotypic endpoints in invertebrates exposed to chemical libraries, including natural product compounds. By focusing on sub-lethal, atypical behavior and development, and delayed-effect endpoints, the platform can identify new, safer small molecule chemistries with molecular modes of action distinct from those currently recognized by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). This approach enables discovery of replacement products for existing insecticide classes and extends the utility of current pest control tools.

Technical specifications

Key features and capabilities:

• High-throughput screening (HTS) of small molecule and natural product libraries using high-content image capture
• Assessment of novel phenotypic endpoints including sub-lethal effects, atypical behavior, developmental changes, and delayed effects
• Confirmation and secondary dose-response assays, with immature, adult, and behavioral readouts
• Approximately 1% of HTS hits advanced through confirmation and secondary evaluation
• Novel chemical structures already discovered through prior screens
• Capability to test against mosquito larvae and adults, with interest in chemistries offering broad-spectrum and vector control activity
• Investigation of efficacy against insecticide-resistant strains to identify replacement products

Proposed validation activities:

• Assay series to assess bite-suppression and antifeedant properties
• Evaluation of population suppression potential across selected chemistries
• Parameters including spatial activity, bite and feeding inhibition, contact and post-exposure mortality, and fecundity and F1 generation impacts
• Targeted HTS of proprietary chemical libraries

Technology readiness level

The screening platform has been validated through a series of high-throughput screens against small molecule and natural product libraries, with novel insect-active chemistries already identified. Approximately 1% of HTS hits have progressed through confirmation and secondary dose-response assays, and novel chemical structures have been discovered. The proposed one-year project will expand validation through bite-suppression, antifeedant, and population suppression assays. The team is seeking an industry partner with expertise in pest control technology discovery and development, chemical elaboration, formulation, and product development to advance these discoveries toward commercialization.