| abstract |
A delivery matrix (gel) comprising a carbohydrate derivate and a semiochemical (pheromone) for the trapping, attracting or deterring of aquatic organisms. The carbohydrate derivative (croscarmellose sodium, chitin, hydroxypropyl cellulose or methyl cellulose) is preferably medium viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (low, high, ultra-high viscosity). The aquatic organism is either molluscs, fish or crustaceans, preferably shore crabs (Carcinus maenas). The semiochemical (ATP, ADP, AMP, glycine, proline, taurine, tryptophan, glutamine, glutathione, chondroitin-sulfate/sulphate, 2-phenylethylamine, 20-hydroxyecdysone, 5α-cyprionl sulfate/sulphate, 2,4-octadienal, trigonelline, homarine) is preferably uridine diphosphate (UDP) and uridine triphosphate (UTP), in a UDP:UTP ratio between 10:1 to 1:1. The matrix may have a slow release or a timed release of the semiochemical. The matrix may be provided as a tablet with a sugar coating. The matrix is prepared by mixing the carbohydrate derivative, semiochemical and water, aliquoting the mixture into a mould, freezing, and then lyophilising (freeze-drying). The matrix can be stored at -20 °C for up to 6 months. |