Patent Number: 6919202
Docket Number: 6500
Serial Number: 9826146
Date Patented: 07/19/2005

New Technology Using Wasps and Other Invertebrates to detect chemicals     Technology Description:    ARS and University of Georgia researchers have developed a way to train parasitic wasps called, Microplitis croceipes, and other insects to detect chemical odors.  These wasps have keen chemical sensory abilities that allow them to detect very small chemical traces.  Through a practical training procedure, the wasps are taught to associate subject chemicals with a reward–a host or food for example.  They react with a very distinct behavior when they detect target chemicals.  In tests, the wasps were able to sense explosive ingredients.  Using this sensitive, portable procedure, wasps or other invertebrates, can be used to monitor plant and soil health–which emits high or low levels of certain chemicals when diseased or distressed.  These insects may also be use to monitor explosives and biochemicals, as well as be used for medical or forensic purposes to detect human pathogens or disease.  These wasps are able to detect chemicals that are below the detection threshold of gas-chromatography, and are less expensive to use.  A related handheld instrument for monitoring and identifying chemicals can be used with this invention (refer to S.N. 11/185/109).   This rapid, flexible, and highly sensitive technology could have a broad range of uses in the agricultural, defense, and medical/forensic fields.   This invention would open the doors for a new niche market for using insects as biodetectors.   Reference:  Please refer to USPN 6,919,202 (Docket #0065.00) “Utilization of Invertebrate Learning for Flexible and Sensitive Monitoring and Identification of Chemicals,” issued July 19, 2005.   Inventors: Dawn Marie Olson Wallace Joe Lewis Crop Protection and Management Research (Retired) Tifton, GA 31793   Phone: (229) 387-2374 James H. Tumlinson III    Fax: (229) 387-2321 (Retired)     Veronique Kerguelen Torsten Meiners Felix Waeckers Claire Bonifay Keiji Takasu Glen C. Rains UGA UGA