Mosquito borne diseases are on the rise because of their fast spread worldwide and the lack of effective treatments. Here we are focusing on the development of a novel anti-malarial and virucidal agent with biocidal effects also on its vectors. We have synthesized a new quinoline (4,7-dichloroquinoline) derivative which showed significant larvicidal and pupicidal properties against a malarial and a dengue vector and a lethal toxicity ranging from 4.408 µM/mL (first instar larvae) to 7.958 µM/mL (pupal populations) for Anopheles stephensi and 5.016 µM/mL (larva 1) to 10.669 µM/mL (pupae) for Aedes aegypti. In-vitro antiplasmodial efficacy of 4,7-dichloroquinoline revealed a significant growth inhibition of both sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values of 6.7 nM (CQ-s) and 8.5 nM (CQ-r). Chloroquine IC50 values, as control, were 23 nM (CQ-s), and 27.5 nM (CQ-r). In vivo antiplasmodial studies with P. falciparum infected mice showed an effect of 4,7-dichloroquinoline compared to chloroquine. The quinoline compound showed significant activity against the viral pathogen serotype 2 (DENV-2). In vitro conditions and the purified quinoline exhibited insignificant toxicity on the host system up to 100 µM/mL. Overall, 4,7-dichloroquinoline could provide a good anti-vectorial and anti-malarial agent.

No abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using direct micelles and reverse micelles of sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) as reaction media. We evaluated the effect of these self-organized aggregates in the nucleation and growth mechanism of AgNPs. The results show the effect of water when it is a confined medium, where their properties are different from those of net water. These factors strongly influence the size, polydispersity and shape of nanoparticles. Moreover, the presence of ions from the reducing agents and the surfactant, it is a key factor in the anisotropy of the AgNPs obtained. For our knowledge, this is the first report in which the effect of the reaction media is evaluated by using direct and reverse micelles to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Additionally, AgNPs synthesized through the two systems were functionalized with folic acid and evaluated their cytotoxicity and photothermal properties. The results show that AgNPs synthesized through the two systems are potential photothermal agents, reaching to reduce up to 47% of the viability of the HeLa cells, using a laser of 808 nm.