Analysis of the ecotoxicity of larvicides based on lignin nanoparticles and natural actives aiming at controlling arboviruses

• Grant number: 21/11145-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: March 01, 2022
• End date: May 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Grantee: Carolina Barbara Rogerio
• Supervisor: Susana Patricia Mendes Loureiro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade de Aveiro (UA), Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/05415-8 - Development of larvicide from lignin nanoparticles containing natural assets to combat the spread of arboviruses, BP.MS

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, infect thousands of people annually, causing sequelae and potentially leading to death. Among the alternatives for vector control is the class of larvicides, but the excessive and indiscriminate use of synthetic products has generated resistance along with harmful effects on 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 principle and number of applications, resulting in less exposure and consequently a decrease in environmental toxicity. For this, carrier systems will be developed based on lignin nanoparticles containing neem and castor oils as a strategy for controlling 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 minimizing the environmental impacts of the use of larvicides in the environment.