Creating Green Nanoparticles for Better Jasmine and Peppermint Pest Control

Jenn Hoskins
24th March, 2024

Creating Green Nanoparticles for Better Jasmine and Peppermint Pest Control

SEM surface topography of flower shape 3-D CoAl LDH (a, b & c) and ZnAl LDH (d) before loading.

Image adapted from: Radwan et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • In Egypt, nanoformulated jasmine and peppermint oils killed 100% of mosquito larvae
  • Peppermint nanoemulsion was the most effective, followed by jasmine
  • These natural oil nanoemulsions are safer, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for diseases that impact millions of people worldwide. As we seek sustainable and less harmful ways to control these pests, scientists are turning to natural substances. A recent study by researchers at the Future University in Egypt[1] has taken a significant step in this direction by investigating the effectiveness of essential oils and their nanoformulations against the larvae of Culex pipiens, a common mosquito species. The study focused on a jasmine blend oil and peppermint oil, both known for their aromatic properties, and evaluated their larvicidal activity in nanoformulated versions. Nanoformulations are tiny particles that can enhance the effectiveness and delivery of active ingredients. These were compared to their crude oil counterparts and layered double hydroxide (LDH) conjugates, another type of nanodelivery system. The results were promising: at a high concentration of 2000 ppm, the oil/water (O/W) nanoemulsions of both jasmine blend and peppermint showed 100% mortality in both the 2nd and 4th instar larvae of the mosquitoes. This is particularly notable because the effectiveness of the nanoemulsions exceeded that of the LDH conjugates and the crude oils. The peppermint nanoemulsion (PP-NE) was identified as the most potent larvicide, followed by the jasmine blend nanoemulsion (AJ-NE). What makes these findings exciting is the methodological approach. The nanoemulsions were prepared with particle sizes of 199 nm for AJ-NE and 333 nm for PP-NE, which are within the effective range for such applications. Sophisticated techniques like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm the successful synthesis of these nanoformulations. The zeta potential measurements indicated the stability of the particles, which is crucial for their effectiveness as larvicides. The study also observed an increase in defensive enzymes like phenoloxidase and α and β-esterase enzymes in the treated larvae. These enzymes are part of the insect's immune response, suggesting that the oils and their nanoformulations may disrupt the normal physiological processes of the larvae, leading to their death. This research builds upon earlier studies that have explored the potential of natural products as insecticides. For instance, previous work has shown that plant extracts and their nanoemulsions can be effective against ticks[2] and that essential oils can serve as larvicides and adulticides for mosquitoes[3][4]. The current study expands on these findings by demonstrating the enhanced efficacy of essential oils when nanoformulated, offering a new avenue for mosquito control. The implications of this study are significant. With the growing resistance of mosquitoes to chemical insecticides and the environmental concerns associated with their use, the development of effective, biodegradable, and eco-friendly alternatives is crucial. The research from the Future University in Egypt suggests that nanoformulations of natural oils could be a valuable part of integrated mosquito management strategies. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that nanoformulated essential oils are not only effective against mosquito larvae but also offer a safer and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical insecticides. This could be a game-changer in the ongoing battle against mosquito-borne diseases, offering hope for a future where we can control these pests without harming the ecosystem.

EnvironmentBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Synthesis of eco-friendly layered double hydroxide and nanoemulsion for jasmine and peppermint oils and their larvicidal activities against Culex pipiens Linnaeus.

Published 22nd March, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56802-y

Related Studies

2) Novel acaricidal and growth-regulating activity of Aloe vera and Rheum rhabarbarum extracts and their oil/water nanoemulsions against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-43776-6

3) Mg-LDH Nanoclays Intercalated Fennel and Green Tea Active Ingredient: Field and Laboratory Evaluation of Insecticidal Activities against Culex pipiens and Their Non-Target Organisms.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27082424

4) Larvicidal and adulticidal effects of some Egyptian oils against Culex pipiens.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08223-y


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙