Nanobiopesticides: development and inseticidal activity of nanoemulsions containing lemongrass or eucalyptus oils

The bioinsecticides, like essential oils, are a promising alternative in pest control. However, these oils have some limitations, such as instability and low solubility. These limitations can be circumvented through nanotechnology, with the nanoemulsification of these compounds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to prepare, characterize and explore the insecticidal activity against adult flies of nanoemulsions containing essential oil of lemongrass or eucalyptus. The nanoemulsions were prepared by the high-energy method and presented droplet size smaller than 125 nm, with polydispersity index of 0.2, pH acid and spherical morphology. The insecticidal activity was evaluated by the Topical Application Method and Exposure Impregnated Paper Exposure, where it was possible to demonstrate a potential insecticidal effect of lemongrass oil in the concentrations of 10, 30 and 50 mu L/mL against Musca domestica and Lucilia cuprina and the potentiation of this effect when nanoemulsified this oil against L. cuprina.

Automated summary

This study focused on the preparation, characterization, and exploration of the insecticidal activity of nanoemulsions containing lemongrass or eucalyptus essential oil against adult flies. The nanoemulsions, prepared using high-energy method, exhibited a potential insecticidal effect of lemongrass oil at certain concentrations against Musca domestica and Lucilia cuprina, with further enhancement when nanoemulsified specifically against L. cuprina.