Development of larvicide from lignin nanoparticles containing natural assets to combat the spread of arboviruses

• Grant number: 20/05415-8
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Grantee: Carolina Barbara Rogerio
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The increase in cases of arboviruses, such as Yellow Fever, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, which have the Aedes aegypti mosquito as the main vector, infects thousands of people annually, causing sequelae and possibly leading to death. Among the alternatives for controlling the vector, there is the class of larvicides, but the excessive use of synthetic products has generated resistance along with harmful effects to the environment and human health. In this sense, the proposal of this project involves the development of larvicides using lignin nanoparticles containing neem oil (Azadirachta indica) and castor oil (Ricinus communis), because through this modified release system it is possible to reduce the amount of active ingredient and number applications, resulting in less exposure and consequently less environmental toxicity. For this, carrier systems based on lignin nanoparticles containing neem and castor oils will be developed as a strategy to control Aedes aegypti larvae. Larvicidal activity studies will be carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the formulations. Such systems could be a promising alternative due to the use of materials of natural origin, thus being able to minimize the environmental impacts of the use of larvicides in the environment. (AU)