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

Abstract

Fabrication, 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.

Radical scavenging potential of spectrophotometric, spectroscopic, microscopic, and EDX observed zinc oxide nanoparticles from leaves, buds, and flowers extract of Bauhinia Variegata Linn: A thorough comparative insight

“…Color shifting was observed during the synthesis of all three types of the NPs which was an indication of the successful fabrication of the NPs of different kinds as reported by multiple scientists in their respective studies (Tahir et al, 2020; Akhtar et al, 2023; Summer et al, 2023; Tahir et al, 2023; Summer et al, 2023; Subhani et al, 2023; Mumtaz et al, 2023; Akhtar et al, 2024; Mughal et al, 2024; Ali et al, 2023). The similarity of the present study with these previous findings suggested that the current study harbors authenticity and credibility for the synthesis of the NPs.…”

Bactericidal and Antioxidant Potential of Moringa oleifera Capped Silver Nanoparticles under Varied Conditions

“…[16] Conventionally, natural polymers are used as drug carriers as they are capable of incorporating antimicrobial agents. [17][18][19] However, the approach of natural polymers as antimicrobial agents is challenging due to their wide molecular weight variations and batch-to-batch variability. [20] The pharmacopeia now considers medicinal plants as a safe and comparatively biocompatible remedial source due to their promising results against numerous harmful microorganisms.…”

“…Chitosan tends to degrade or lose its structural integrity under neutral pH conditions and becomes limiting in extreme pH conditions [16] . Conventionally, natural polymers are used as drug carriers as they are capable of incorporating antimicrobial agents [17–19] . However, the approach of natural polymers as antimicrobial agents is challenging due to their wide molecular weight variations and batch‐to‐batch variability [20]…”