12 - Tracking mosquito movement using edible DNA barcoded microcrystals

Abstract: Studying mosquito dispersal patterns through mark-release-recapture approaches can provide valuable insights on mosquito flight range, directional movements, and survivorship. However, traditional approaches that utilize topical fluorescent powders and paints or ingestible dyes provide a limited number of unique marks to work with, can negatively impact mosquito survivorship, and have limited retention on the mosquito surface. Therefore, we have developed a new class of markers based on synthetic DNA: information-rich barcodes encased in tough particles that are generated from porous cross-linked protein crystals. Mosquito larvae ingest protein-encased unique barcode sequences spiked into the larval habitat and retain these marks through metamorphosis to the adult stage, where they can be detected and decoded using molecular techniques. We have conducted proof-of-concept laboratory experiments to evaluate the effective dose for marking larval mosquitoes with DNA barcodes, barcode design and optimization of detection platforms, and deployment of barcodes in the context of West Nile virus surveillance in the City of Fort Collins, Colorado. Our preliminary data demonstrate that DNA-loaded protein microcrystals can be ingested by mosquito larvae, persist to the adult life stage, are recovered and decoded from adult mosquitoes, and have minimal effect on mosquito survivorship. Capturing mosquito movement data in the context of arbovirus surveillance has the potential to reveal local mosquito production hot spots, directional movement of these mosquitoes following emergence, and relative contribution to the infectious mosquito population when linked with arbovirus infection data.