Advances in nanocomposite larvicides for mosquito vector management: a comprehensive review

Abstract Background The occurrence of malaria, filariasis, yellow fever, West Nile virus, chikungunya, Zika, and dengue diseases causes significant morbidity and mortality in underdeveloped countries due to the emergence of virulent strains and the development of drug resistance. Nanotechnology, a potent tool, can mitigate the mosquito’s emergence and larvae breeding sources effectively. Nanocomposites, an amalgamation of metals/metal oxide/polymer, will target the specific mosquitoes and can suppress their growth and development. Therefore, our objective is to explore the larvicidal potency of nanocomposites in the larvae of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex pipiens and to address the possible use of nanocomposites as insecticides in Integrated Pest Management. Main body Nanocomposites have diverse applications in biological sectors due to the distinctive optical and physical chemical properties. These tailored composites can tackle virulent strains, and mosquitoes can’t develop resistance. Nanocomposites act against larvae of various developmental stages (1st–4th instar) in Ae.aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, An.stephensi, and Cx. pipiens with significant LC 50 values. The larvicidal effect of the nanocomposite is influenced by species-specific, size and shape, surface coating, and others. The nanocomposites induce reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering oxidative stress and activating apoptosis mechanisms in the larvae. From the available literature studies, nanocomposites are effective against Ae. aegypti > Cx. quinquefasciatus > Cx. pipiens > An. stephensi mosquitoes. Conclusion The nanocomposites are effective against all stages of mosquito larvae and can be further formulated as an insecticide to control the mosquito menace. Thus, the nanocomposites are a novel material for the eradication of juvenile mosquitoes with higher efficacy and efficiency.