The future of mosquito research is blood-free.
BLOODLESS is a novel, highly effective artificial diet designed for the mass-rearing of Anopheles mosquitoes—the primary vectors of malaria—without the need for human or animal blood. This innovation removes one of the major logistical, ethical, and financial barriers to mosquito production in the context of disease control programs.
The Challenge
Malaria, a deadly disease transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes, continues to pose a major global health threat. One of the most promising strategies to combat malaria involves vector control through innovative methods like the release of genetically modified mosquitoes or sterile males. These techniques rely on the large-scale rearing of mosquitoes—often by the millions.
However, traditional mosquito rearing requires females to feed on blood to produce eggs. Sourcing and handling blood from humans or animals is costly, ethically complex, and potentially risky in terms of pathogen transmission. This dependency limits the scalability and accessibility of mosquito production efforts, especially in endemic regions.
The Solution
BLOODLESS eliminates the need for blood entirely.
Developed at GHTM | IHMT-NOVA, led by Henrique Silveira, together with Joana Marques and in collaboration with Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR) from Universidade do Algarve. It has been validated under laboratory conditions (TRL 4), replicating the essential nutritional profile of a traditional blood meal, enabling female mosquitoes to produce eggs without compromising their health, fitness, or ability to transmit Plasmodium parasites.
Unlike conventional rearing methods, BLOODless allows mosquito colonies to be maintained without relying on laboratory animals or human donors. This eliminates the need for specialized animal facilities, trained veterinary personnel, and complex ethical approvals. It also avoids the logistical challenges associated with sourcing, transporting, and storing fresh blood, making the process simpler, safer, and more cost-effective.
By removing blood from the equation, BLOODless significantly reduces the risk of accidentally introducing pathogens into mosquito colonies—an essential advantage for public health programs and research settings. Its long shelf life and ease of storage make it especially valuable in remote or resource-limited environments where malaria is most prevalent.
Who Can Benefit
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Insectaries and vector biology research labs
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Organizations developing malaria vaccines or genetically modified mosquitoes
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Vector control programs in malaria-endemic regions
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Public health agencies and nonprofits focused on disease elimination
Contact & Collaboration
We’re actively seeking licensing partners, co-development collaborators, and organizations interested in implementing BLOODLESS in large-scale mosquito rearing or disease control programs.
Whether you’re in research, public health, biotech, or working in malaria-endemic regions, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Get in touch:
Email us at bloodless@ihmt.unl.pt or find us at NOVA INNOVATION and IHMT-NOVA.