Targeting mosquito-borne diseases: High-throughput evaluation of novel larval and adult insecticides

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant global health threat, compounded by increasing insecticide resistance in key vectors such as Aedes aegypti. The identification of new mosquito-active chemistries is essential for effective vector control and the prevention of disease transmission. In this study, we employ high-throughput screening (HTS) bioassays to evaluate the efficacy of chemical libraries, including both synthetic compounds and natural products, against Aedes aegypti. We describe the development and implementation of larval immersion, adult oral ingestion, and contact toxicity assays to assess comparative toxicity profiles. Results are benchmarked against current-use insecticides to identify candidates with novel modes of action and enhanced activity against resistant mosquito populations. Our findings highlight the potential of HTS approaches to efficiently screen chemical libraries and uncover unique chemical scaffolds that may circumvent existing resistance mechanisms. This integrated approach streamlines the insecticide discovery pipeline and supports the expansion of chemical options for integrated vector management. Ultimately, our work provides a scalable framework for discovering next-generation mosquito control agents, contributing to global efforts to reduce the burden of mosquito-borne diseases.