Synthesis optimization of PEG diblock copolymer-based nanoemulsion of cypermethrin through central composite design and bioefficacy evaluation against fish ectoparasite Argulus bengalensis

摘要

Nanosizing antiparasitic formulation has tremendous potential to control parasite infection by rectifying drawbacks of conventional formulations. The present study investigates synthesis optimization of cypermethrin nanoemulsion using PEG diblock copolymers through a spontaneous emulsification technique. Synthesis parameters of nanoemulsion were optimized using response surface methodology with central composite design to get nanoemulsion (NEC-1) with lowest particle size (179.8 nm) and highest encapsulation efficiency (90.24%). TEM and DLS revealed the spherical morphology and negative zeta potential (- 42.4-57.2 mV) of the developed nanoemulsion formulations. Bioefficacy of the NEC-1 was studied against fish ectoparasite Argulus bengalensis at embryonic and adult stages. It was observed that treatment of nanoemulsion disrupted the natural developmental stage of A. bengalensis egg at a very low concentration (0.001 ppm). The calculated LC_(50) against the adult parasite and LC_(50) for prevention of 50% egg hatching was found to be 0.005 and 0.006 ppm, respectively. In the recent scenario of repetitive antiparasitic resistance, the developed nanoemulsion could come out as a potential solution; however, further study is required for its feasibility for use in actual field conditions.