Multifunctional activity of graphene oxide-based nanoformulation against the disease vector, Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Aedes aegypti management is a global concern due to the absence of medication and effective vaccines. The pesticide-mediated health hazards and rising insecticide resistance in mosquitoes have aggravated the issues. As graphene Oxide (GO)- based nanoformulations are considered a novel mosquito management strategy; the present investigation evaluated the efficacy of GO-based nanoformulations conjugated with malathion (ML) and endosulphan (EN) against Ae. aegypti. The GO was synthesised by Hummers’ method and was confirmed by UV-visible spectral analysis. The GO-ML and GO-EN binary mixtures (1:1 and 1:2) were assayed for toxic potential against mosquito larvae as per WHO protocol and the dead larvae were scrutinized for morphological deformations/abnormalities. The contact irritancy potential of GO nanoformulations was also evaluated against adult Ae. aegypti. The UV-visible spectrum of GO showed a narrow and high peak at ~300 nm corresponding to an n-π* plasmon peak. The GO-insecticide binary mixtures augmented the ML and EN toxicity by 80.43% and 6.43-fold, respectively. The GO-ML mixture-exposed larvae revealed cuticular deposition of black soot while larvae exposed to GO-EN exhibited disintegrated gut viscera. GO-insecticide combinations increased flights in Ae. aegypti denoting irritant potential. The effectual toxic, abrasive and irritant activity of GO-insecticide nanoformulations recommends developing graphene-based toxicants for mosquito management