Technology Overview

Mosquito‑borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever remain major global health threats, while widespread resistance has eroded the effectiveness of existing insecticides. Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a portfolio of semi‑synthetic cinnamodial (CDIAL) analogues that build on a natural product scaffold with known mosquitocidal and antifeedant properties. Through medicinal chemistry optimization, this work identifies new drimane and quinone chemotypes with improved stability and enhanced activity against Aedes aegypti, supporting early‑stage development of insecticides with differentiated biological profiles.

Modality

The technology consists of small‑molecule insecticidal compounds derived from a natural product framework and optimized via semi‑synthetic medicinal chemistry. The platform supports structure–activity relationship exploration and customization to balance potency, stability, and physicochemical properties relevant to insect control applications.

Target

The primary target is the mosquito Aedes aegypti, a key vector responsible for transmitting multiple arboviral diseases. The compounds act at the organismal level and are designed to engage mosquito biology through mechanisms distinct from commonly used insecticide classes, addressing resistance pressures.

Application

Potential applications include early‑stage development of adulticidal and larvicidal mosquito control agents for public health, vector control programs, and integrated pest management strategies. The technology may also serve as a research platform for discovering novel insecticide leads and studying alternative modes of action in disease‑vector insects.

Ohio State University is seeking business leads interested in licensing or collaborative early‑stage research opportunities in vector control and insecticide development.