Evaluation of "Caserotek" a low cost and effective artificial blood-feeding device for mosquitoes

Use of Synthetic Membranes and Bovine Blood in Artificial Feeding Systems of Mosquitoes Improves Feeding Rates: Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Artificial blood feeding of mosquitoes is essential for their rearing in insectaries as well as for mosquito-borne pathogen transmission experiments. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the different artificial feeding systems available for mosquitoes to synthesize evidence regarding their efficacy in terms of feeding rates and fecundity. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to retrieve 1,822 experimental studies assessing the efficacy of artificial feeding systems. After assessing eligibility and risk of bias, 25 studies were included in the final analysis. Studies were reviewed and meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model. The primary outcomes were feeding rates and fecundity of mosquitoes belonging to genera Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles for the different systems. Subgroup analyses with respect to membrane, blood source, and mosquito genera were conducted. Sensitivity analysis was done to assess heterogeneity. The overall pooled estimate of feeding rate of mosquitoes and the average number of eggs laid per female mosquito using artificial blood-feeding systems were 72% (66-77%) and 71.9 (56.68-87.12), respectively. Results from this systematic review are suggestive of the advantages of novel techniques, such as Digital Thermo Mosquito Blood Feeder and 3D-printed feeders. The study provides evidence for improved feeding rates of mosquitoes in systems using bovine blood and synthetic membranes such as latex.

Artificial Feeding Systems for Vector-Borne Disease Studies

This review examines the advancements and methodologies of artificial feeding systems for the study of vector-borne diseases, offering a critical assessment of their development, advantages, and limitations relative to traditional live host models. It underscores the ethical considerations and practical benefits of such systems, including minimizing the use of live animals and enhancing experimental consistency. Various artificial feeding techniques are detailed, including membrane feeding, capillary feeding, and the utilization of engineered biocompatible materials, with their respective applications, efficacy, and the challenges encountered with their use also being outlined. This review also forecasts the integration of cutting-edge technologies like biomimicry, microfluidics, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence to refine and expand the capabilities of artificial feeding systems. These innovations aim to more accurately simulate natural feeding conditions, thereby improving the reliability of studies on the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. This comprehensive review serves as a foundational reference for researchers in the field, proposing a forward-looking perspective on the potential of artificial feeding systems to revolutionize vector-borne disease research.