Mosquitoes, among the most lethal creatures on Earth, result in millions of deaths annually by transmitting
various human diseases. This work aims to synthesize novel, efficient, safe, and environmentally sustainable
natural substances to enhance mosquito vector management based on nanotechnology applications of the chitosan
biopolymer. A nanoscale chitosan-coated nanocapsule containing linalool, α-terpinene, and curcumin was
synthesized and characterized using several analytical methods, which confirmed the incorporation of the active
ingredients to the vicinity of nanoscale lipid molecules coated with chitosan biopolymer. Under acidic conditions,
an initial rapid release of active compounds was observed within the first two days, subsequently exhibiting
a gradual decline by the fourth day. Conversely, under alkaline conditions, the release commenced at a
lower rate and progressively increased over time. The efficacy of α-terpinene, linalool, curcumin, and their
nanoformulations against the third instar larvae of Culex pipiens was evaluated in both acidic and alkaline media
at 24- and 48-h post-treatment. The NLC-CLA-CS nanocapsule demonstrated promising (the most potent)
insecticidal effects, with notable potency observed for combinations of α-terpinene, linalool, and curcumin. The
LC50 values for these formulations ranged from 8.78 to 61.33 ppm at 24 h post-treatment and from 6.08 to 29.54
ppm at 48 h post-treatment, highlighting the potential of these compounds in mosquito control. The tested
compounds demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacterial strains,
showcasing its potent efficacy in inhibiting microbial growth. Reduced toxicity against normal cells (WI38)
compared to individual compounds. Minimal impact on most non-target insects, apart from Gambusia affinis |
