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Review
. 2024 Mar 15;13(3):188.
doi: 10.3390/biology13030188.

Artificial Feeding Systems for Vector-Borne Disease Studies

Olayinka M Olajiga  1 , Samuel B Jameson  1 , Brendan H Carter  1 , Dawn M Wesson  1 , Dana Mitzel  2 , Berlin Londono-Renteria  1
Affiliations
Review

Artificial Feeding Systems for Vector-Borne Disease Studies

Olayinka M Olajiga et al. Biology (Basel). .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: VBDs; artificial feeding system; vector biology; vector-borne diseases.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results. The mentioning of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the USDA. The USDA is an equal-opportunity provider and employer.

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