An extract from an Australian eucalyptus tree could help stop the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne viruses.
Biotechnology company Bio-Gene is developing an insecticide based on a compound extracted from the leaves of the Gympie Messmate eucalypt that in tests has knocked down the aedes aegypti mosquito.
The aedes aegypti mosquito is present in northern Australia, and carries Zika virus and others such as dengue fever.
The company says development of the insecticide is timely because mosquitoes in many parts of the world are becoming increasingly resistant those currently in use.
"Everyone needs a new insecticide because the ones that are being used - the organic phosphates, the pyrthethrins - have been around a very, very long time and insects are adapting," Bio-Gene chief executive Robert Klupacs said.
"We still want to get into crop protection but we realised from a public health perspective, we realised we may have a play in mosquito control and fly control."
Bio-Gene has patented a synthetic chemical called Flavocide that mimics the active natural compound found in the leaves.
Tests have also showed Flavocide is active against aphids and mirids which affect agricultural crops, fleas and ticks in cattle, and buffalo fly on sheep.
The synthetic chemical enables the development of an insecticide that can be used on an industrial scale, whereas the natural compound can only be extracted in sufficient quantities for organic farming or niche "green" products such as shampoo.
Mr Klupacs said Bio-Gene has worked with the University of Queensland and a large multinational in southern Asia that specialises in developing active molecules to come up with a process to make Flavocide in larger quantities.
Bio-Gene is seeking to raise $5 million privately so it can assess the impact of Flavocide in more advanced tests and field trials.
Bio-Gene hopes to have its product in the market in three to three-and-half years.
Mr Klupacs expects the company will seek a listing on the Australian share market at some point in the near future.
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