Formulation of water-dispersible nanopermethrin for larvicidal applications

The formulation of water dispersible nanopermethrin was investigated for its larvicidal property. Nanopermethrin was prepared using solvent evaporation of oil in water microemulsion, which was obtained by mixing an organic and aqueous phase. The mean particle size of nanodispersion in water was 151 +/- 27 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of nanopermethrin showed it was amorphous. Larvicidal studies were carried out against Culex quinquefasciatus and the results were compared with bulk permethrin. The LC50 of nanopermethrin to Cx. quinquefasciatus was 0.117 mg/L. The LC50 of bulk permethrin to Cx. quinquefasciatus was 0.715 mg/L. Nanopermethrin may be a good choice as a potent and selective larvicide for Cx. quinquefasciatus. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.