Nanotech application for vector control

Abstract

A significant fraction of the global infectious disease burden is due to the vector-borne infectious diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya. Almost half of the world’s population is infected with at least one type of vector-borne disease. We tried to develop a natural, low cost, safe and effective nano formulation using essential oils. . An experimental study of oil in water nanoemulsion preparation, process optimization and stability based on the required size distribution was performed with surfactant oil ratio (SOR), stirring time and speed as the variables for nanoemulsion preparation. The storage stability of the nanoemulsion was also studied in terms of particle size, pH, viscosity and zeta potential at room temperature and refrigeration temperature for a period of 6 months. The nanoemulsion was tested for its larvicidal activity against both susceptible and resistant strain of mosquito larvae’s and their antibacterial activity was also tested. Keywords: Nanao, nanoemaulsion, vector control, essential oil