Preparation of nanoemulsion of Cinnamomum zeylanicum oil and evaluation of its larvicidal activity against a main malaria vector Anopheles stephensi

Purpose There is a growing need to use green and efficient larvicidal as alternatives for conventional chemicals in vector control programs. Nanotechnology has provided a promising approach for research and development of new larvicides. Larvicidal potential of a nanoemulsion of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil reports against Anopheles stephensi. Methods The nanoemulsion of was formulated in various ratios comprising of C. zeylanicum oil, tween 80, span 20 and water by stirrer. It was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). All components of C. zeylanicum essential oil were identified by GC-MS analysis. The larvicidal potential of the oil and its nanoformulation were evaluated against larvae of An. stephensi. The stability and durability of nanoemulsion was observed over a period of time. Results Sixty one components in the oil were identified, cinnamaldehyde (56.803%) was the main component. The LC90 and LC50 values of C. zeylanicum essential oil were calculated as 49 ppm and 37 ppm, respectively. The nanoemulsion droplets were found spherical in shape. It was able to kill 100% of larvae in up to 3 days. It was stable after dilution and increased its larvicidal activity up to 32% compared with the essential oil. Conclusions A novel larvicide based on nanotechnology introduced. This experiment clearly showed increasing larvicidal activity and residual effect of the nanoformulation in comparison with the bulk essential oil. It could be concluded that this nanoemulsion may be considered as safe larvicide and should be subject of more research in this field.