Bioinspired synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles by using leaf extract of Solanum lycopersicum L. for larvicidal activity of Aedes aegypti L.

Abstract

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the key transmitters of varied life-threatening arbovirus diseases; overuse of synthetic chemicals to target vector-borne diseases has an adverse impact on the environment. Biological agents have proven to be an alternative source to synthetic agents for controlling mosquitoes. In this context, the present study investigated the biosynthesis of ZnO NPs using Solanum lycopersicum leaf extract under the influence of solution combustion synthesis method and assessment of its larvicidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti. Synthesised ZnO NPs were characterised by using UV–vis, FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD. The physicochemical parameter confirmed the synthesised nanoparticles were highly pure. The UV spectrum showed a strong peak at 352 nm corresponding to bandgap energy 3.01 eV. The SEM indicates the particles were rod-like structures. Further, the EDX analysis primarily confirms the zinc and oxygen without any impurities. The XRD data shows the crystallite size of ZnO Nps was of 40.93 nm. Finally, the aqueous leaf extract and ZnO NPs showed significant (p < 0.05) larvicidal activity at 48 h. However, ZnO NPs revealed high larvicidal effect compared to aqueous extract. From the results, it can be concluded that the bioactive constituents present within the plant extract act as capping and reducing agents for the successful ZnO NPs synthesis and could be used for controlling mosquito vector Ae. aegypti.