System and method for detecting non-contact repellency of a compound candidate from Drosophila

An assay system for a repellent, the system comprising:

• a transparent tubing extending from a first end to a second end, the transparent tubing having:
• a first end chamber secured to the first end and a second end chamber secured to the second end;
• a central testing area positioned between the first end chamber and the second end chamber;
• a first small opening between the central testing area and the first end chamber;
• a second small opening between the central testing area and the second end chamber;
• a first absorbent material having a control substance embedded therein, the first absorbent material being positioned adjacent to the first small opening, the first absorbent material is composed of an absorbent material and having a first opening extending therethrough, the first opening providing passage between the transparent tubing and the first chamber;
• a first cap secured to the first chamber, the first cap having a first hole extending therethrough;
• a second absorbent material having a repellent embedded therein, the second absorbent material being positioned adjacent to the second small opening, the second absorbent material is composed of an absorbent material and having a second opening extending therethrough, the second opening providing passage between the transparent tubing and the second chamber;
• a second cap secured to the second chamber, the second cap having a second hole extending therethrough;
• and
• a pipet integral with and extending from the transparent tubing;
• wherein a plurality of fruit flies are introduced into the central testing area and allowed to migrate through either the first opening or the second opening, thereby providing analysis as to effectiveness of the repellent material.