Terminalia Arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & amp; Arn: Unveiling its Potential as a Mosquito Control Agent through Biosynthesized Nanomaterials and Computational Analysis against Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus

To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Terminalia arjuna bark extract (TABE) and investigate their efficacy in controlling Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes

This research investigates the utilization of Terminalia arjuna bark extract to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a means of controlling disease-carrying mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The nanoparticles are analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRD, FT-IR analysis, and SEM. In silico studies provide additional investigation into the larvicidal properties of T. arjuna phytochemicals, providing valuable insights into their effectiveness as biocontrol agents.

The current research aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Terminalia arjuna bark extract (TABE-AgNPs) in controlling the disease-transmitting vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

The size of the synthesized nanoparticles was determined using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer, XRD, and FT-IR analysis, and the morphology of the particles was measured using the SEM. The size of the synthesized particles ranged from 28.57 to 79.38 nm. An in silico larvicidal and insecticidal potential of Terminalia arjuna chemical constituents are also carried on the key proteins of mosquitoes using the Schrodinger module.

The biosynthesized AgNPs were investigated for larvicidal effect on the dengue-causing vectors such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The AgNPs showed a significant larvicidal impact on the mosquitoes after 24 and 48 hours, with the LC₅₀ of 6.49 and 4.50 ppm, respectively. The in-silico research indicates that the chosen phytochemicals of T. arjuna exhibit larvicidal properties due to their high binding affinities with key mosquito proteins of A. aegypti and A. albopictus. Specifically, leucodelphinidin, mannitol, and leucocianidol were found to exhibit mosquitocidal properties. These revealed their insecticidal effects by showing the binding affinities and docking scores of -7.11584 kcal/mol for FK506-binding protein 12, -7.78699 kcal/mol for Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 7, -5.96534 kcal/mol for salivary protein 34k2, -5.78943 kcal/mol for Odorant-binding protein and -7.21602 kcal/mol for young juvenile hormone-binding protein.

Eventually, the present research concluded that the phytochemicals T. arjuna might act as capping and reducing elements during the fabrication of nanoparticles that lead to the potential larvicidal effects after capping with silver. This study also suggested that green synthesized nanoparticles could be potential biocontrol agents in controlling the populations of disease-transmitting vectors.