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Y-Tube Olfactometer Test for Mosquito Repellent Behavioral Analysis
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Summary
The Y-tube olfactometer test is a controlled laboratory-based approach employed to determine the behavioral responses of the mosquito. This process evaluates the attraction or repellency of the mosquito by testing its movement toward an affected airflow and an uncontaminated airflow. This process is applicable for the early-stage testing of repellents and attractants before the field trials.
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Quick understanding of the test
Y-Tube Olfactometer Test - Determine the behavioral responses of mosquitoes toward mosquito repellents
Application
- Aedes
- Anopheles
- Culex
- Clean air is pumped through one arm, while odor-laden air is released through the other.
- Female mosquitoes are introduced into the base tube.
- The movement of mosquitoes towards either arm is observed. This movement reflects a choice and helps to evaluate the attractiveness or repellency of the presented odor.
- Quantifies the efficacy of various repellents and attractants.
- Reduces risk of exposure to mosquito-borne diseases during testing.
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What is a Y-Tube Olfactometer Test?
A Y-tube olfactometer test is a laboratory method used to determine the behavioral responses of mosquitoes toward mosquito repellents and attractants. Like most insects, mosquitoes navigate their way using olfactory cues such as body odor, temperature, and blood group which influence their biting behaviors. The olfactometry test leverages this property of mosquitoes to test the efficacy of repellent and attractant products. Under BPR (PT19), this method is used for more than just a standalone efficacy test such as behavioral assessment, formulation screening, and comparative analysis.
For repellents, the test identifies avoidance behavior and reduced mosquito preference.
For attractants, the Olfactometer test assesses directional movement toward the test odor. The same system can be adapted for both use-cases by adjusting controls and interpretation.
Products Applicable for Olfactometer test
In accordance with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), this test is applicable to Product Type 19 (Repellents and Attractants).
Products within the PT19 scope include:
- Topical repellent sprays
- Aerosol and pump sprays
- Spatial repellents (vaporizers, diffusers, coils)
- Attractant baits
- Lures for traps and monitoring systems
Test strains used
At MIS, we test for mosquito repellent efficacy using the following mosquito species: Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species.
Y-tube Olfactometer Test Setup
The Y-tube olfactometer consists of a Y-shaped glass or plastic tube. Each arm of the “Y” presents a different olfactory stimulus to the test subject (mosquitoes), while the single stem serves as the point where the subject is introduced.
Y-tube Olfactometer Test Principle
- Choice offering: The primary principle of the Y-tube olfactometer is to offer a choice between two different stimuli (e.g., odors and other volatile compounds) to the test subject.
- Stimulus introduction: Each arm of the Y contains a different stimulus. The setup is designed to ensure that the stimuli are evenly distributed. Also, ensure minimal mixing of both stimuli occurs before reaching the choice point where the arms diverge.
- Behavioral observation: The subject is observed as it moves up the stem of the Y and chooses one of the two arms. The choice is usually indicative of a preference for or aversion to the stimulus presented in that arm.
Y-tube Olfactometer Test Methodology
- Clean air is pumped through one arm and air loaded with a specific odor (attractant or repellent) is released through the other arm. This step creates a controlled environment where the only variable is the odor in the air streams.
- 15-20 host seeking female mosquitoes (commonly used in these tests due to their role in blood-feeding and disease transmission) are released into the base tube of the olfactometer.
- The movement of mosquitoes towards either arm is observed. The time taken by a mosquito to reach the end of either arm is recorded.
- The movement indicates a choice and is used to assess the attractiveness or repellency of the odor presented.
Results and Interpretation
The behaviour of mosquitoes is observed and interpreted by comparing the number of active mosquitoes choosing the test arm containing the repellent formulation with those choosing the control arm containing clean air only.
Effectiveness of the repellent is indicated by a significant reduction in mosquito attraction to the test arm compared to the control arm.
Why Olfactometer Test Is Performed Before Field Trials
Olfactometer testing is an early screening test in understanding mosquito behavior in relation to a formulation based on its smell. It is useful in screening whether a given product can possibly attract or repel a mosquito before proceeding with complicated efficacy studies. Even though field and semi-field studies may be elaborate and depend greatly on environmental factors, olfactometer testing helps in comparing numerous formulations while optimizing active substance content. It can eliminate any product that does not react properly.
Importance of Y-Tube Olfactometer Test
The Y-tube olfactometer test provides insights on how insects respond to various chemical cues. The method allows experts to assess the odor preferences of insects by observing their choices in a controlled environment. With the information obtained from these behavioral assays, manufacturers can develop effective repellents and attractants for efficient pest control.
Related test Methods for Mosquito repellent testing
- Tunnel test
- Arm-in-cage test
- Room test
- WHO cone test
- Chamber test/Peet-Grady Chamber Test
Olfactometer Test vs Other tests
Parameter | Y-Tube Olfactometer Test | Tunnel Test | Arm-in-Cage Test |
Purpose | To evaluate behavioural attraction of mosquitoes to Chemical stimuli under controlled conditions | To evaluate bio-efficacy of treated nets by measuring mortality and feeding inhibition | To measure repellency and bite inhibition of topical products on human skin |
Mandatory insects | Anopheles, Aedes, Culex mosquitoes species | Strains selected based on the intended use of the product | Anopheles, Aedes or Culex mosquitoes |
Scope of products | This test applies to Product Type 19 (Repellents and Attractants), including topical and spatial repellents, attractant baits, and trapping lures. | Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), fabrics and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) | Topical repellents (lotions, creams, sprays, gels) |
Test environment | Controlled laboratory setup with defined airflow, temperature and humidity | Controlled laboratory tunnel system with a bait source | Controlled cage environment using a human volunteer |
Result interpretation | Reduced attraction indicates repellency, & increased attraction indicates attractancy | 24-hour mortality andblood-feeding inhibition | Longer Complete Protection Time (CPT) indicates higher protection |
Why Choose Our Lab for Olfactometer Testing
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we specialize in Y-Tube Olfactometer testing to accurately evaluate the efficacy of mosquito repellents and attractants. Our expert team utilizes methodologies to provide precise and reliable results. Trust MIS to support your product’s efficacy with comprehensive testing solutions.
Request Y-Tube Olfactometer Testing
To learn more about our Y-Tube Olfactometer testing services or to schedule a consultation, contact our experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
A Y-tube olfactometer test is early screening of volatile repellents to assess behavioural attraction or avoidance under controlled conditions.
This test is applicable for both mosquito repellent (like creams, lotions, and spray formulations) & attractant products and insecticide-treated textiles.
At MIS, we perform olfactometry tests using Ades, Anopheles, and Culex mosquito species.
The turnaround time for the test depends on the type of pests being tested and can vary from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.
While Olfactometer test results are considered supportive screening data under BPR. Test results alone are not sufficient for regulatory claims. Confirmatory laboratory or field studies are further required for regulatory claims.
The mosquito preference index expresses the proportion of mosquitoes choosing the test stimulus compared to the control.
Yes. The Y-tube olfactometer test is suitable for textile-based repellents when the repellent acts through volatile release.
Typically, 15โ20 host-seeking female mosquitoes are tested per replicate.
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