Evaluation of a plant essential oil encapsulated with silica nanoparticles against the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract

Several studies have been focused on finding alternative methods to chemical control of stored grain insect pests. These alternatives should be eco-friendly techniques without hazard to the biotic and the abiotic ecosystem of humans. Therefore, the present study directed to use a safe compound to control stored grain insects. The current work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), Cinnamon oil encapsulated with silica nanoparticles (CESN), cinnamon, peppermint essential oils and silica gel in controlling the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica. MSNs, CESN, cinnamon oil and silica gel were used to evaluate the biochemical and molecular effects on C. cephalonica larvae. The effect of nanoparticles and nanocapsules on ultrastructure also studied. The obtained results can be summarized as followed: 1- Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Nanocapsules A) Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were synthesized by hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The pore volume and surface area of MSNs were 0.824 cc/g and 893.6 m2g−1, respectively. Scanning and transmission electron microscope showed that MSNs were in distinct spherical arrangements with an average particle size approximately 500 nm, homogenous and uniform-sized. B) Cinnamon Oil Encapsulated with Silica Nanoparticles The pore volume and surface area of synthesized CESN were 0.7275cc/g and 720 m2g−1, respectively. Scanning electron microscope revealed a formation of yolk-like structure mesoporous silica nanoparticles surface loaded with cinnamon oil particles.