Scientific study points to nanocomposite material for killing dengue mosquito larvae

A scientific study has highlighted the potential of a silkbased nanocomposite material containing silver nanoparticles to kill mosquito larvae offering a possible new avenue for controlling dengue at its sourceThe research recently published by scientist Dr Dinesh Amalnerkar and academician Dr Ravindra Chaudhari and their team in the journal Nature Scientific Reports found that a film made from silk fibroin embedded with silver nanoparticles achieved 100 per cent mortality among the tested larval stages and pupae of Aedes aegypti the mosquito primarily responsible for transmitting dengueAmalnekar a senior nanotechnologist is president of the citybased Maharashtra Academy of Sciences while Chaudhari is a professor at a college in Junnar town of Pune districtThe study comes at a time when Pune is witnessing a rise in cases of the mosquitoborne diseaseThe researchers used silk fibroin a natural protein obtained from silkworm cocoons as a matrix to incorporate silver and gold nanoparticles The resulting nanocomposite films were tested against different developmental stages of Aedes aegyptiThe silverbased nanocomposite achieved 100 per cent mortality across all tested larval stages and pupae under the experimental conditions The goldbased material recorded mortality ranging from 86 per cent to 98 per cent according to the studyThe researchers also examined the environmental implications of the material Immobilising nanoparticles within the silkbased matrix could help control their release into the surrounding environment potentially reducing the risks associated with freely dispersed nanoparticlesThe study reported no noticeable effects on the tested nontarget fish species under the laboratory conditions used However further research would be required to establish the materials safety and effectiveness under diverse field conditions it saidThe approach is based on the principle that eliminating mosquitoes before they emerge as adults can help interrupt their breeding cycle Unlike adult mosquito control larval control targets breeding sites before the insects become capable of spreading infectionThe findings do not establish that the nanocomposite is ready for routine municipal use Its effectiveness in realworld conditions longterm environmental safety cost and suitability for treating different types of waterstorage sites would need to be assessed before largescale deployment noted the researchersThey maintained the silkbased nanocomposite approach could have potential for future mosquitocontrol applications subject to further evaluationThe findings assume significance as the Pune Municipal Corporation PMC has reported a surge in dengue cases with the civic administration intensifying measures to check mosquito breeding across the cityPune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram recently reviewed the situation during a meeting at Dr Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital and directed civic departments to strengthen preventive measures to curb the spread of the mosquitoborne diseaseThe PMC recorded 2291 dengue cases between January 1 and October 20 this year according to civic dataCivic teams have inspected around 14 lakh homes and more than 2831 lakh waterstorage containers this year Mosquito larvae were detected in 18885 containers across approximately 13000 homes prompting notices to property owners and the collection of penaltiesThe administration has identified stagnant water at construction sites waste dumps and residential premises as key breeding grounds Water storage necessitated by supply interruptions and water collected in plant pots have also contributed to the problemAgainst this backdrop the study by researchers from Pune describes a potential alternative approach to conventional mosquitocontrol methodsThe PMC has intensified antilarval operations fogging in dengue hotspots and awareness campaigns The civic body has urged citizens to cover waterstorage containers prevent water stagnation and observe a weekly dry day to reduce mosquito breedingThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever