Technological Advancements in Mosquito Repellents: Challenges and Opportunities in Plant-Based Repellents

The worldwide distribution of mosquitoes and their significant role in the transmission of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya have resulted in substantial mortality, morbidity, and economic loss. This review aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with plant-based mosquito repellents as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical insecticides.

A comprehensive analysis of recent literature was conducted to investigate the conventional technology available as well as novel techniques utilized to minimize man-mosquito contact and also to assess the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of plant-derived mosquito repellents. Special attention was given to essential oils and their active constituents, as well as current advancements in formulation technologies, stability issues, and standardization practices.

The utilization of conventional chemical insecticides for controlling mosquitoes has resulted in the development of biological resistance and has detrimental environmental impacts. Consequently, researchers have made significant efforts in recent years to develop sustainable and economical alternatives, with a particular focus on botanical mosquito-repellent compounds. This has led to a marked increase in interest in the use of plant derieved products as mosquito repellents. Limonene, citronellol, eucalyptol, geraniol, eugenol, carvacrol, and citronellal are the primary essential oil components extracted from plants that exhibit mosquito repellent activity. Owing to their complex chemical structures, mosquitoes are unable to develop resistance to these molecules.

Plant-based mosquito repellents represent a promising and sustainable alternative to synthetic repellents. However, challenges such as variability in composition, lack of standardization, stability issues, and limited mechanistic understanding hinder their widespread adoption. Molecular and cellular mechanistic studies may increase product safety and efficacy by identifying specific targets and detoxification pathways.