Pluton Furthers Understanding of Bacteria Capable of Killing Mosquitoes

Pluton Biosciences has recently announced their participation in the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2) program has generated a deeper understanding of how three novel bacteria work to kill disease-carrying mosquitoes. One of these is a larvicidal bacteria capable of killing the disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This Missouri-based company was founded in 2017 and is composed of a team of talented scientists, entrepreneurs, and technologists. They explore the diverse world of microorganisms in an effort to develop clean, eco-friendly products for carbon sequestration, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, biomaterials, and bioremediation. They developed a proprietary platform called the Micromining ® Innovation Engine which helps their scientists discover microbes with novel activities in only a few months.

During their time in IN2’s seventh cohort, they performed R&D activities at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis. With Danforth’s biochemistry expertise, Pluton’s researchers have unraveled the chemistry behind three novel bioinsecticides discovered back in 2017. Previous developments by Pluton include microbes that have the potential to save crops, kill pests, reduce diseases, and even break down plastic waste.

In addition to working in the IN2 cohort, Pluton received $250,000 in technical assistance to further research into these three novel bacteria. This also came with access to state-of-the-art expertise and resources in the Danforth Center. Between funding and technology, pluton has doubled down on their research and intends to continue working with these novel bacteria characteristics.

Are you developing new biotechnology for a new application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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