Efficacy of Fish scale based Silver Nanoparticles (FS-AgNPs) against dengue vector, Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Abstract The control of mosquitoes, vectors of various life-threatening pathogens using biologically synthesized nanoparticles is gaining popularity. Current study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fish scale based silver nanoparticles (FS-AgNPs) against a dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (L.). The extract of Nile tilapia fish (Orochromis niloticus) scales was used to synthesize Silver based Nanoparticles. Collagen in the FS-extract acted as a reducing and capping agent. FS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometry and a diagnostic absorption peak was observed at 490nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm the presence of various functional groups in FS-AgNPs. Larvicidal potentials of different concentrations of crude fish scale extract (200–500 ppm) and FS-AgNPs (10–40 ppm) were assessed against laboratory strain and field populations from different localities of Lahore (i.e., Model Town, Misri Shah, Valencia, Sadar Cantt. and Walton). In case of FS-AgNPs, a significant concentration dependent mortality was observed (F5, 12=8.667; P < 0.05). Highest mortality was observed in Laboratory Strain (100%), however LC50 value was highest (17.57 ppm) against the larval population of Walton. Toxicity of nanoparticles on a non-target organism Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) was also assessed in water. No mortality or behavioural changes were recorded even after continuous exposure for 10 days. It is concluded that FS-AgNPs are effective to control dengue vector Ae. aegypti at young developmental stages during the aquatic phase of its life cycle and are safe for non-target organisms.