Larvicidal and pupicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Leucas aspera leaf extract against mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi

Abstract

Mosquitoes are one of the most medically significant groups of vectors, having an ability to transmit parasites and pathogens that can have devastating impacts on humans. The development of reliable and ecofriendly processes for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is an important step in the field of application of nanotechnology. In this study, we address the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Leucas aspera leaf extract, and evaluate its lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values against first to fourth instar larvae and pupae of the mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis. Larvae and pupae were exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extracts of synthesized AgNPs for 24 h. The maximum mortality was observed from synthesized AgNPs, with LC50 values for I-IV instars and pupae ranging from 13.06 to 25. 912.94. The study suggests that nanoparticles could be a preferred alternative to the most hazardous existing chemical pesticides, contributing to a more healthy environment by providing an ideal ecological and user-friendly vector control strategy for managing malaria and dengue, and contributing to their eventual elimination in the near future.

Biosynthesis, mosquitocidal and antibacterial properties of Toddalia asiatica-synthesized silver nanoparticles: do they impact predation of guppy Poecilia reticulata against the filariasis mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus?

“…Recently, a growing number of plant extracts have been found effective against C. quinquefasciatus larvae and pupae (e.g., Kumar et al 2014;Chitra et al 2015;Muthukumaran et al 2015). Furthermore, the T. asiatica-synthesized AgN were highly toxic against C. quinquefasciatus larvae and pupae; LC 50 values ranged from 16.482 (I instar larvae) to 40.719 ppm (pupae) ( (Sivapriyajothi et al 2014).…”

Do Chenopodium ambrosioides-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Impact Oryzias melastigma Predation Against Aedes albopictus Larvae?

“…Low doses of AgNP biosynthesized using Euphorbia hirta leaf extract have been reported as highly toxic against A. stephensi, withLC 50 values ranging from 10.14 ppm (I instar larvae) to 34.52 ppm (pupae) [101]. Another good example is the larvicidal activity of Leucas aspera-synthesized AgNP, with LC 50 ranging from 13.06 to 25.54 ppm for A. aegypti, and from 12.45 to 22.26 ppm for A. stephensi [117]. Nelumbo nucifera-synthesized AgNP were toxic to the larvae of A. subpictus (LC 50 = 0.69 ppm) and C. quinquefasciatus (LC 50 = 1.10 ppm; LC 90 = 3.59 ppm), respectively [110].…”

Screening of Larvicidal and Pupicidal Activity Of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Bidens biternata(L) against the Dengue & Chikungunya Vector, Aedes Aegypti

“…Biological systems have revealed the skill to interact with metal ions and reduce them to form metallic nanoparticles. Plants are widely used for nanoparticle synthesis, and the use of plants for the fabrication of nanoparticles is a rapid, low-cost, eco-friendly single step method for the biosynthesis process [6]. The present study evident that the leaf extract of B. biternata has the potential to reduce silver nitrate ions into silver nanoparticles.…”