Photodynamic evaluation of curcumin as a larvicide against Aedes aegypti in simulated field conditions

This study explore photodynamic inactivation (PDI) as an eco-friendly method for controlling Aedes aegypti larvae using curcumin, a photosensitizer ins a simulated field environment. Photolarvicidal and persistence bioassays were conducted using curcumin formulations at various concentrations in a 100 L fiberglass container filled with dechlorinated water under simulated field conditions. The lethal concentrations to eliminate 50% (LC50) and 90% (LC90) of larvae were 2.3 mg/L and 8.7 mg/L, respectively. The residual effect of the curcumin formulation lasted up to 45 days. These results indicate that large-scale PDI of Ae. aegypti larvae is a promising method to reduce virus transmission, offering prolonged efficacy in breeding site simulations.