Pesticide Efficiency of Environment-Friendly Transition Metal-Doped Magnetite Nanoparticles

This study explored the potential of Fe₃O₄, SnFe₂O₄, and CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles as larvicidal and adulticidal agents against Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti) larvae and adults, which are vectors for various diseases. This research involved the synthesis of these nanoparticles using the coprecipitate method. The results indicate that CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are the most effective in both larvicidal and adulticidal activities, with complete mortality achieved after 96 h of exposure. SnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles also showed some larvicidal and adulticidal efficacy, although to a lesser extent than the CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles exhibited minimal larvicidal and adulticidal effects at low concentrations but showed increased efficacy at higher concentrations. The study also revealed the superparamagnetic nature of these nanoparticles, making them potentially suitable for applications in aquatic environments, where A. aegypti larvae often thrive. Additionally, the nanoparticles induced observable damage to the gut structure of the mosquitoes and larvae, which could contribute to their mortality. Overall, this research suggests that CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, in particular, hold promise as environment-friendly and effective agents for controlling A. aegypti mosquitoes, which are responsible for the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya. Further studies and field trials are needed to validate their practical use in mosquito control programs.