Toxicological effects of nanoparticles on the common house mosquito,Culex pipiens L.(Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The present study was carried out to assess the toxicological effects of nanoparticles on the common house mosquito. The obtained data revealed that silica nanoparticles were the most toxic and effective nanoparticle against the 3rd instar larvae of Cx.pipiens followed by hematite nanoparticles. The effect of time variation on the larvicidal activity of nanoparticles was evaluated. At a concentration of 25 ppm, LT50 estimates for the tested nanoparticles indicated that SNPs were the most efficient and the fastest in action. Larval total protein and lipid content significantly reduced due to treatment with silica nanoparticles. Treatment with hematite nanoparticles caused increase in larval total protein estimates, which might suggest an immune response by insect cells to nanoparticles. Using SDS-PAGE, distinguishable patterns between untreated and treated samples were observed by the appearance and disappearance of certain protein fractions.