Sonication and heat‐mediated synthesis, characterization and larvicidal activity of sericin‐based silver nanoparticles against dengue vector (Aedes aegypti)

Abstract

AbstractFabrication, characterization and evaluation of the larvicidal potential of novel silk protein (sericin)‐based silver nanoparticles (Se‐AgNPs) were the prime motives of the designed study. Furthermore, investigation of the sericin as natural reducing or stabilizing agent was another objective behind this study. Se‐AgNPs were synthesized using sonication and heat. Fabricated Se‐AgNPs were characterized using particle size analyzer, UV spectrophotometry, FTIR and SEM which confirmed the fabrication of the Se‐AgNPs. Size of sonication‐mediated Se‐AgNPs was smaller (7.49 nm) than heat‐assisted Se‐AgNPs (53.6 nm). Being smallest in size, sonication‐assisted Se‐AgNPs revealed the significantly highest (F4,10 = 39.20, p = .00) larvicidal activity against fourth instar lab and field larvae (F4,10 = 1864, p = .00) of dengue vector (Aedes aegypti) followed by heat‐assisted Se‐AgNPs and positive control (temephos). Non‐significant larvicidal activity was showed by silver (without sericin) which made the temperature stability of silver, debatable. Furthermore, findings of biochemical assays (glutathione‐S transferase, esterase, and acetylcholinesterase) showed the levels of resistance in field strain larvae. Aforementioned findings of the study suggests the sonication as the best method for synthesis of Se‐AgNPs while the larvicidal activity is inversely proportional to the size of Se‐AgNPs, i.e., smallest the size, highest the larvicidal activity. Conclusively, status of the sericin as a natural reducing/stabilizing agent has been endorsed by the findings of this study.Research Highlights Incorporation of biocompatible and inexpensive sericin as a capping/reducing agent for synthesis of Se‐AgNPs. A novel sonication method was used for the fabrication of Se‐AgNPs which were thoroughly characterized by particle size analyzer, UV–visible spectrophotometry, SEM and FTIR. Analysis of enzymatic (GSTs, ESTs) levels in field and lab strains of Aedes aegypti larvae for evaluation of insecticides resistance.