Eco‑friendly approach to control dengue vector Aedes aegypti larvae with their enzyme modulation by Lumnitzera racemosa fabricated zinc oxide nanorods

摘要

Aedes aegypti mosquito species is a primary vector for dengue, chikungunya and Zika infections, and vector control is theonly key approach for reducing their transmission. The present study emphasizes on environmental friendly approachfor the fabrication of zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) using aqueous extract of Lumnitzera racemosa flower buds (LB) asa reducing and stabilizing agent. ZnO NRs were examined by UV–Vis spectroscopy with characteristic absorbance bandat 373.82 nm and bandgap of 3.25 eV. FT-IR analysis revealed the functional groups associated with ZnO NRs. The crystallinityof LB-ZnO NRs was further investigated using X-ray diffraction. The Zeta potential displayed a surface charge of− 23.5 mV on NRs. Energy dispersive spectra analysis and SEM analysis confirmed the formation of ZnO NRs whilst TEMhighlighted the average length and diameter in the range of 250–300 nm and 45–50 nm respectively. LB-ZnO NRs werefound to be efficacious against Ae. aegypti 4th instar larvae with LC_(50)of 24.74 μg/ml. Decreased acetylcholinesterase(60.6%) and glutathione S-transferase (24.4%) activities were also evaluated in Ae. aegypti larvae which were exposed tosynthesized LB-ZnO NRs with no genetic aberrations. All these outcomes propose the potential employment of LB-ZnONRs in mosquito control, as well as an effective alternative to insecticide resistance.