摘要：Aedes aegypti L. is the major vector accountable for the spread of several diseases of medical importance. The control strategies primarily relying on chemical insecticides have caused negative impact on our environment and human health. Thus, current study employed Citrus limetta peel extracts (CLPE) against larvae of Ae. aegypti. Silver nanocomposites (AgNCs) from CLPE were synthesised and the process of synthesis was optimized by varying temperature; volume and concentration of silver nitrate solution; and the volume of catalyst. A conspicuous change in colour of the reaction mixture was noticed from pale yellow to dark brown. This indicated the synthesis of AgNCs which was traced by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The optimum synthesis of CLPE-AgNCs was obtained with the mixture of 4 mL AgNO3 (3mM) and 3 mL CLPE. The larvicidal assay with these nanoparticles against Ae. aegypti resulted in LC50 and LC90 values of 26.82 μg/mL and 99.32 μg/mL after 24 h of exposure; which respectively decreased to 19.51 μg/mL and 71.99 μg/mL after 48 h of exposure. The results elucidate 1.3-fold higher larvicidal efficacy of nanoparticles with increased duration of larval exposure. We suggest that synthesis of AgNCs by utilizing peel extract of C. limetta is a cost-effective and eco-safe alternative to conventional insecticides; and can be utilized as the potent mosquito larvicide.
关键词：Green Synthesis;Silver Nanocomposites;Citrus limetta;Larvicidal;Aedes aegypti
