Enhancing Preclinical Neuropsychiatric Drug Discovery Research in A Resource-Constrained Setting Through Improvision of Drosophila Melanogaster Light-Dark Behavioural Mazes

Background: Global and local prevalences and burden of neuropsychiatric disorders are on the increase while budgetary allocations to preclinical research are on the decrease in most sub-Saharan African jurisdictions. This scenario coupled with high cost of imported research tools and support infrastructure slows down preclinical neuropsychiatric drug discovery efforts. To sustain preclinical research to bridge the widening disease burden-remedy gap, there is therefore need for researchers/scientists to adopt Appropriate Technology to fashion out alternative affordable eco-friendly research tools. Aim & Methodology: This study aimed to fashion out three different Drosophila dark-light mazes from locally available resources. Materials were cut to appropriate sizes and joined together with rubber gum and super glue. Results: Units of T-maze, open-field and Tunnel dark-light mazes were obtained. Discussion/Conclusion: Pilot studies indicated these mazes were sensitive to Drosophila behaviours, operationally simple, affordable, portable, sustainable and eco-friendly.

Poor research funding, Fruit fly, Fabrication, Resource-scarce

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