Mosquitoes are well-known carriers of various parasites and viruses that can lead to several serious diseases in humans. Illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, epidemic encephalitis B, and epidemic typhus are among the major health threats transmitted by these insects. Because effective vaccines are lacking for many mosquito-borne viruses (arboviruses), controlling the mosquito population remains the primary method for preventing these diseases. Unfortunately, the increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional control methods poses a significant hurdle. As a result, there's a growing need for environmentally friendly alternatives in mosquito control. One promising solution lies in the use of nanoparticles. Thanks to their tiny size and large surface area, nanoparticles have unique features — including strong biological activity, enhanced chemical stability, and the ability to release substances in a controlled manner. These traits make nanotechnology an exciting area of research for developing more effective and sustainable mosquito control methods, especially when green (eco-conscious) synthesis techniques are used. In particular, nanoparticles synthesized using natural, eco-friendly processes have shown strong potential in acting as mosquito-killing agents. These nanomaterials may offer advantages over traditional insecticides, such as improved efficacy and reduced environmental impact. This review explores the potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles in mosquito control, focusing on their types, how they are produced, and how toxic they are to mosquito vectors.

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1. Abrantes DC, Rogerio CB, Campos EV, Germano-Costa T, Vigato AA, Machado IP, (2022).            Repellent active ingredients encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles: Potential alternative            formulations to control arboviruses. J Nanobiotechnol; 20(1): 1-6.
2. Ali, M. (2023). “What function of nanoparticles is the primary factor for their hyper-toxicity?”            Advances in Colloid and Interface Science. 314:102881.
3. Balaji APB, Ashu A, Manigandan S, Sastry TP, Mukherjee A, Chandrasekaran N. (2017).            Polymeric nanoencapsulation of insect repellent: Evaluation of its bioefficacy on Culex            quinquefasciatus mosquito population and effective impregnation onto cotton fabrics for            insect repellent clothing. J King Saud Univ Sci; 29(4): 517-527.
4. Benelli G. (2018). Mode of action of nanoparticles against insects. Environ Sci Pollut Res; 25(13):            12329-12341.
5. Benelli G, Lukehart CM. (2017). Applications of green-synthesized nanoparticles in            pharmacology, parasitology and entomology. J Clust Sci; 28(1): 1-2.
6. Campos EVR, de Oliveira JL, Abrantes DC, Rogério CB, Bueno C, Miranda VR, (2020). Recent            developments in nanotechnology for detection and control of Aedes aegypti-borne            diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol; 8:102.
7. Chanyalew, T., G. Natea, D. Amenu, D. Yewhalaw, and E. A.-O. Simma. (2022). “Composition  of mosquito fauna and insecticide resistance status of Anopheles gambiaesensu lato in          Itang special district, Gambella, Southwestern Ethiopia,” Malaria Journal, 21:125.
8. Danyue Nie; Jiaqiao Li; Qinghua Xie; Lele Ai; Changqiang Zhu; Yifan Wu; Qiyuan Gui; Lingling            Zhang; and Weilong Tan (2023). Nanoparticles: A Potential and Effective Method to            Control Insect-Borne Diseases. Hindawi: Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications.            23:5898160
9. Deguine JP, Aubertot JN, Flor RJ, Lescourret F, Wyckhuys KA, Ratnadass A. (2021). Integrated pest management: Good intentions, hard realities: A review. Agron Sustain Dev; 41(3): 38.
10. Dhand C, Dwivedi N, Loh XJ, Ying AN, Verma NK, Beuerman RW, (2015). Methods and            strategies for the synthesis of diverse nanoparticles and their applications: A            comprehensive overview. Rsc Adv; 5(127): 105003-105037.
11. El-Nahhal, I. and Y. El-Nahhal. (2021). “Pesticide residues in drinking water, their potential risk to human health and removal options,” Journal of Environmental Management.         299:113611.
12. Faisal S, Jan H, Shah SA, Shah S, Khan A, Akbar MT, (2021). Green synthesis of zinc oxide      (ZnO) nanoparticles using aqueous fruit extracts of Myristica fragrans: Their        characterizations and biological and environmental applications. ACS Omega; 6(14): 9709          9722.
13. Ferreira, T. P, K. Haddi, R. F T Corrˆea. (2023) “Prolonged mosquitocidal activity of Siparuna            guianensis essential oil encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles,” PLoS Neglected Tropical            Diseases. 13(8):7624.
14. Iliou K, Kikionis S, Petrakis PV, Ioannou E, Roussis V. (2019). Citronella oil-loaded electrospun            micro/nanofibrous matrices as sustained repellency systems for the Asian tiger mosquito            Aedes albopictus. Pest Manag Sci; 75(8): 2142-2147.
15. Jayaseelan, C., A. Abdulhaq, C. Ragavendran, and S. Mohan. (2022). “Phytoconstituents assisted            biofabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles and their antiplasmodial, and antilarval            efficacy: a novel approach for the control of parasites,” Molecules. 27(23):8269.
16. Kala S, Sogan N, Naik SN, Agarwal A, Kumar J. (2020). Impregnation of pectin-cedarwood            essential oil nanocapsules onto mini cotton bag improves larvicidal performances. Sci Rep;            10(1): 14107.
17. Kamaraj, C., S. Vimal, C. Ragavendran, A. Priyadharsan, K. Marimuthu, and G. Malafaia. (2023).            “Traditionally used medicinal plants mediate the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles:            methodological, larvicidal, and ecotoxicological approach,” Science of the Total   Environment. 873:162402.
18. Kelidari HR, Moemenbellah-Fard MD, Morteza-Semnani K, Amoozegar F, Shahriari-Namadi M,            Saeedi M, (2021). Solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing Zataria multiflora essential            oil with no-cytotoxicity and potent repellent activity against Anopheles stephensi. J Parasit            Dis; 45(1): 101-108.
19. Khan MA, Ali F, Faisal S, Rizwan M, Hussain Z, Zaman N, (2021). Exploring the therapeutic            potential of Hibiscus rosa sinensis synthesized cobalt oxide (CO3O4-NPs) and magnesium            oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs). Saudi J Biol Sci; 28(9): 5157-5167.
20. Manikandan S, Jibi L, Abhisubesh V, Hemaladkshmi P, Aneha K, Sahadiya M, (2022).    Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by entomopathogenic bacteria: Bacillus     cereus VCRC 641 against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus.      World J Adv Res Rev; 16(1): 311-319.
21. Mohammadi, J., K. Azizi, H. A.-O. Alipour. (2021). “Frequency of pyrethroid resistance in human            head louse treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis,” Parasite. 28:86.
22. Niemeyer CM. (2021). Nanoparticles, proteins, and nucleic acids: Biotechnology meets materials            science. Angew Chem Int Ed; 40(22): 4128-4158.
23. Pisoschi AM, Pop A, Cimpeanu C, Turcu V, Predoi G, Iordache F. (2018). Nanoencapsulation            techniques for compounds and products with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity-A            critical view. Eur J Med Chem; 157: 1326-1345.
24. Poopathi S, De Britto LJ, Praba VL, Mani C, Praveen M. (2015). Synthesis of silver nanoparticles            from Azadirachta indica-a most effective method for mosquito control. Environ Sci Pollut            Res; 22(4): 2956-2963.
25. Radwan IT, Baz MM, Khater H, Selim AM. (2022). Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for            biologically active green tea and fennel natural oils delivery: Larvicidal and adulticidal            activities against Culex pipiens. Molecules; 27(6): 1939.
26. Ryan SJ, Lippi CA, Bardosh KL, Frydenlund EF, Gaff HD, Naveed H, (2021). Direct and indirect            social drivers and impacts of vector-borne diseases. In: Population biology of vector-borne            diseases. Strand: Oxford University Press; p. 247-266.
27. Sanei-Dehkordi A, Heiran R, Roozitalab G, Elahi N, Osanloo M. (2022). Larvicidal effects of            nanoliposomes containing clove and cinnamon essential oils, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde against the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi liston. Psyche: J        Entomol.  doi: https://doi. org/10.1155/2022/9991238.
28. Santos, T. S., C. de Souza Varize, E. Sanchez-Lopez (2022). “Entomopathogenic fungi-mediated            AgNPs: synthesis and insecticidal effect against Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: plutellidae),” Materials. 15(21):7596.
29. Sengul Demirak MS, Canpolat E. (2022). Plant-based bioinsecticides for mosquito control: Impact            on insecticide resistance and disease transmission. Insects; 13(2): 162.

30. Suganya P, Vaseeharan B, Vijayakumar S, Balan B, Govindarajan M, Naiyf SA, (2017). Biopolymer zein-coated gold nanoparticles: Synthesis, antibacterial potential, toxicity and        histopathological effects against the zika virus vector Aedes aegypti. J Photochem     Photobiol B: Biol; 173:404-411.

1. Sun C, Zeng Z, Cui H, Verheggen F. (2020). Polymer-based nanoinsecticides: Current            developments, environmental risks and future challenges-a review. Biotechnologie,            Agronomie, Société et Environnement; 24: 61- 69.

32. Troyo A, Gonzalez-Sequeira MP, Aguirre-Salazar M, Cambronero- Ortiz I, Chaves-Gonzalez LE, Mejias-Alpizar MJ, (2022). Acknowledging extraordinary women in the history of medical             Parasit Vectors.  15(1): 114.

1. Warpeha, K. M., Munster, V., C. Mulli´e, and S. H. Chen (2020). “Editorial: emerging infectious and vector-borne diseases: a global challenge,” Frontiers in Public Health. 8:214.
2. Weiss DJ, Bertozzi-Villa A, Rumisha SF, Amratia P, Arambepola R, Battle KE (2021). Indirect            effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria intervention coverage, morbidity, and            mortality in Africa: A geospatial modelling analysis. Lancet Infect Dis; 21(1): 59-69.
3. Wilson JJ, Harimuralikrishnaa T, Sivakumar T, Mahendran S, Ponmanickam P, Thangaraj R            (2023). Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pantoea stewartii and Priestia            aryabhattai and their antimicrobial, larvicidal, histopathological, and biotoxicity potential.            Bioengineering; 10(2): 248.

36. World Health Organization (2017). Fact sheet: Vector-borne diseases. [Online]. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/ fs387/en/. [Accessed on 13 May 2023].
37. World Health Organization. World malaria report (2022). [Online]. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/ reports/world-malaria-report      [Accessed on 13 May 2023].
38. Zielińska A, Carreiró F, Oliveira AM, Neves A, Pires B, Venkatesh DN, Souto EB. (2020).            Polymeric nanoparticles: Production, characterization, toxicology and ecotoxicology.            Molecules; 25(16): 3731.

Mosquitoes are well-known carriers of various parasites and viruses that can lead to several serious diseases in humans. Illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, epidemic encephalitis B, and epidemic typhus are among the major health threats transmitted by these insects. Because effective vaccines are lacking for many mosquito-borne viruses (arboviruses), controlling the mosquito population remains the primary method for preventing these diseases. Unfortunately, the increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional control methods poses a significant hurdle. As a result, there's a growing need for environmentally friendly alternatives in mosquito control. One promising solution lies in the use of nanoparticles. Thanks to their tiny size and large surface area, nanoparticles have unique features — including strong biological activity, enhanced chemical stability, and the ability to release substances in a controlled manner. These traits make nanotechnology an exciting area of research for developing more effective and sustainable mosquito control methods, especially when green (eco-conscious) synthesis techniques are used. In particular, nanoparticles synthesized using natural, eco-friendly processes have shown strong potential in acting as mosquito-killing agents. These nanomaterials may offer advantages over traditional insecticides, such as improved efficacy and reduced environmental impact. This review explores the potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles in mosquito control, focusing on their types, how they are produced, and how toxic they are to mosquito vectors.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Abrantes DC, Rogerio CB, Campos EV, Germano-Costa T, Vigato AA, Machado IP, (2022).            Repellent active ingredients encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles: Potential alternative            formulations to control arboviruses. J Nanobiotechnol; 20(1): 1-6.
2. Ali, M. (2023). “What function of nanoparticles is the primary factor for their hyper-toxicity?”            Advances in Colloid and Interface Science. 314:102881.
3. Balaji APB, Ashu A, Manigandan S, Sastry TP, Mukherjee A, Chandrasekaran N. (2017).            Polymeric nanoencapsulation of insect repellent: Evaluation of its bioefficacy on Culex            quinquefasciatus mosquito population and effective impregnation onto cotton fabrics for            insect repellent clothing. J King Saud Univ Sci; 29(4): 517-527.
4. Benelli G. (2018). Mode of action of nanoparticles against insects. Environ Sci Pollut Res; 25(13):            12329-12341.
5. Benelli G, Lukehart CM. (2017). Applications of green-synthesized nanoparticles in            pharmacology, parasitology and entomology. J Clust Sci; 28(1): 1-2.
6. Campos EVR, de Oliveira JL, Abrantes DC, Rogério CB, Bueno C, Miranda VR, (2020). Recent            developments in nanotechnology for detection and control of Aedes aegypti-borne            diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol; 8:102.
7. Chanyalew, T., G. Natea, D. Amenu, D. Yewhalaw, and E. A.-O. Simma. (2022). “Composition  of mosquito fauna and insecticide resistance status of Anopheles gambiaesensu lato in          Itang special district, Gambella, Southwestern Ethiopia,” Malaria Journal, 21:125.
8. Danyue Nie; Jiaqiao Li; Qinghua Xie; Lele Ai; Changqiang Zhu; Yifan Wu; Qiyuan Gui; Lingling            Zhang; and Weilong Tan (2023). Nanoparticles: A Potential and Effective Method to            Control Insect-Borne Diseases. Hindawi: Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications.            23:5898160
9. Deguine JP, Aubertot JN, Flor RJ, Lescourret F, Wyckhuys KA, Ratnadass A. (2021). Integrated pest management: Good intentions, hard realities: A review. Agron Sustain Dev; 41(3): 38.
10. Dhand C, Dwivedi N, Loh XJ, Ying AN, Verma NK, Beuerman RW, (2015). Methods and            strategies for the synthesis of diverse nanoparticles and their applications: A            comprehensive overview. Rsc Adv; 5(127): 105003-105037.
11. El-Nahhal, I. and Y. El-Nahhal. (2021). “Pesticide residues in drinking water, their potential risk to human health and removal options,” Journal of Environmental Management.         299:113611.
12. Faisal S, Jan H, Shah SA, Shah S, Khan A, Akbar MT, (2021). Green synthesis of zinc oxide      (ZnO) nanoparticles using aqueous fruit extracts of Myristica fragrans: Their        characterizations and biological and environmental applications. ACS Omega; 6(14): 9709          9722.
13. Ferreira, T. P, K. Haddi, R. F T Corrˆea. (2023) “Prolonged mosquitocidal activity of Siparuna            guianensis essential oil encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles,” PLoS Neglected Tropical            Diseases. 13(8):7624.
14. Iliou K, Kikionis S, Petrakis PV, Ioannou E, Roussis V. (2019). Citronella oil-loaded electrospun            micro/nanofibrous matrices as sustained repellency systems for the Asian tiger mosquito            Aedes albopictus. Pest Manag Sci; 75(8): 2142-2147.
15. Jayaseelan, C., A. Abdulhaq, C. Ragavendran, and S. Mohan. (2022). “Phytoconstituents assisted            biofabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles and their antiplasmodial, and antilarval            efficacy: a novel approach for the control of parasites,” Molecules. 27(23):8269.
16. Kala S, Sogan N, Naik SN, Agarwal A, Kumar J. (2020). Impregnation of pectin-cedarwood            essential oil nanocapsules onto mini cotton bag improves larvicidal performances. Sci Rep;            10(1): 14107.
17. Kamaraj, C., S. Vimal, C. Ragavendran, A. Priyadharsan, K. Marimuthu, and G. Malafaia. (2023).            “Traditionally used medicinal plants mediate the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles:            methodological, larvicidal, and ecotoxicological approach,” Science of the Total   Environment. 873:162402.
18. Kelidari HR, Moemenbellah-Fard MD, Morteza-Semnani K, Amoozegar F, Shahriari-Namadi M,            Saeedi M, (2021). Solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing Zataria multiflora essential            oil with no-cytotoxicity and potent repellent activity against Anopheles stephensi. J Parasit            Dis; 45(1): 101-108.
19. Khan MA, Ali F, Faisal S, Rizwan M, Hussain Z, Zaman N, (2021). Exploring the therapeutic            potential of Hibiscus rosa sinensis synthesized cobalt oxide (CO3O4-NPs) and magnesium            oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs). Saudi J Biol Sci; 28(9): 5157-5167.
20. Manikandan S, Jibi L, Abhisubesh V, Hemaladkshmi P, Aneha K, Sahadiya M, (2022).    Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by entomopathogenic bacteria: Bacillus     cereus VCRC 641 against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus.      World J Adv Res Rev; 16(1): 311-319.
21. Mohammadi, J., K. Azizi, H. A.-O. Alipour. (2021). “Frequency of pyrethroid resistance in human            head louse treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis,” Parasite. 28:86.
22. Niemeyer CM. (2021). Nanoparticles, proteins, and nucleic acids: Biotechnology meets materials            science. Angew Chem Int Ed; 40(22): 4128-4158.
23. Pisoschi AM, Pop A, Cimpeanu C, Turcu V, Predoi G, Iordache F. (2018). Nanoencapsulation            techniques for compounds and products with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity-A            critical view. Eur J Med Chem; 157: 1326-1345.
24. Poopathi S, De Britto LJ, Praba VL, Mani C, Praveen M. (2015). Synthesis of silver nanoparticles            from Azadirachta indica-a most effective method for mosquito control. Environ Sci Pollut            Res; 22(4): 2956-2963.
25. Radwan IT, Baz MM, Khater H, Selim AM. (2022). Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for            biologically active green tea and fennel natural oils delivery: Larvicidal and adulticidal            activities against Culex pipiens. Molecules; 27(6): 1939.
26. Ryan SJ, Lippi CA, Bardosh KL, Frydenlund EF, Gaff HD, Naveed H, (2021). Direct and indirect            social drivers and impacts of vector-borne diseases. In: Population biology of vector-borne            diseases. Strand: Oxford University Press; p. 247-266.
27. Sanei-Dehkordi A, Heiran R, Roozitalab G, Elahi N, Osanloo M. (2022). Larvicidal effects of            nanoliposomes containing clove and cinnamon essential oils, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde against the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi liston. Psyche: J        Entomol.  doi: https://doi. org/10.1155/2022/9991238.
28. Santos, T. S., C. de Souza Varize, E. Sanchez-Lopez (2022). “Entomopathogenic fungi-mediated            AgNPs: synthesis and insecticidal effect against Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: plutellidae),” Materials. 15(21):7596.
29. Sengul Demirak MS, Canpolat E. (2022). Plant-based bioinsecticides for mosquito control: Impact            on insecticide resistance and disease transmission. Insects; 13(2): 162.

30. Suganya P, Vaseeharan B, Vijayakumar S, Balan B, Govindarajan M, Naiyf SA, (2017). Biopolymer zein-coated gold nanoparticles: Synthesis, antibacterial potential, toxicity and        histopathological effects against the zika virus vector Aedes aegypti. J Photochem     Photobiol B: Biol; 173:404-411.

1. Sun C, Zeng Z, Cui H, Verheggen F. (2020). Polymer-based nanoinsecticides: Current            developments, environmental risks and future challenges-a review. Biotechnologie,            Agronomie, Société et Environnement; 24: 61- 69.

32. Troyo A, Gonzalez-Sequeira MP, Aguirre-Salazar M, Cambronero- Ortiz I, Chaves-Gonzalez LE, Mejias-Alpizar MJ, (2022). Acknowledging extraordinary women in the history of medical             Parasit Vectors.  15(1): 114.

1. Warpeha, K. M., Munster, V., C. Mulli´e, and S. H. Chen (2020). “Editorial: emerging infectious and vector-borne diseases: a global challenge,” Frontiers in Public Health. 8:214.
2. Weiss DJ, Bertozzi-Villa A, Rumisha SF, Amratia P, Arambepola R, Battle KE (2021). Indirect            effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria intervention coverage, morbidity, and            mortality in Africa: A geospatial modelling analysis. Lancet Infect Dis; 21(1): 59-69.
3. Wilson JJ, Harimuralikrishnaa T, Sivakumar T, Mahendran S, Ponmanickam P, Thangaraj R            (2023). Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pantoea stewartii and Priestia            aryabhattai and their antimicrobial, larvicidal, histopathological, and biotoxicity potential.            Bioengineering; 10(2): 248.

36. World Health Organization (2017). Fact sheet: Vector-borne diseases. [Online]. Available from: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/ fs387/en/. [Accessed on 13 May 2023].
37. World Health Organization. World malaria report (2022). [Online]. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/ reports/world-malaria-report      [Accessed on 13 May 2023].
38. Zielińska A, Carreiró F, Oliveira AM, Neves A, Pires B, Venkatesh DN, Souto EB. (2020).            Polymeric nanoparticles: Production, characterization, toxicology and ecotoxicology.            Molecules; 25(16): 3731.