Biotechnology firm TyraTech, which centers on insect-repellent research and technology developed by a Vanderbilt researcher, may relocate its headquarters to Nashville.

Essam Enan, a biochemistry professor and chief scientific officer of TyraTech, develops insecticide and parasiticide with unique blends of natural active ingredients.

The firm, currently based in Melbourne, Fla., plans to compare incentives available from the state of Tennessee with similar information from Research Triangle, N.C.; Melbourne; and Palm Beach County, Fla. to determine where to relocate their headquarters.

"Of course, moving to Nashville will be easier for everyone because I'm here, my lab is here, and my group is here. This would make people close and (allow for) daily communication and daily discussion, which would make life easier for everyone," Enan said.

The firm develops different products for different markets, including mosquito and fly repellent and products for plants, vegetables, fruits, flowers and cotton, and works to develop technology for crawling insects such as ants and spiders.

According to Enan, the research done for TyraTech has a dramatic impact worldwide.

"If you can keep mosquitoes away from people, this will help a lot with protecting you from disease," Enan said.

The plant-based chemicals used in their products have been used in flavors and the cosmetic industry for years, according to Enan, and are among the products the Food and Drug Administration generally regards as safe, unlike the commonly known insect repellent, DEET.

But with TyraTech technology, these chemicals have been combined to create a "synergistic blend" which serves to repel mosquitoes and even prevent some human diseases.

"We are working on developing treatment for human intestinal parasites," Enan said. "There's about 1.5 billion people in the world infected with intestinal parasites, so it's a big concern."

-Lisa Guo contributed reporting to this article.