Environmental friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and estimation of its larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti.

Nanotechnology is a relatively new field which is making advancements each day. It is making a huge impact on our day-to-day lives. Nanoparticles possess unique properties which makes it viable to use it in a wide variety of fields such as in cosmetics, parasitology and catalysis. We used a plant-mediated, nature-friendly method which does not involve the usage of any harmful chemicals. Syzgium cumini seed extract was taken as the reducing agent for the preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles were confirmed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The average particle size was found to be around 50–60 nm. Additionally, larvicidal and ovicidal activity of the prepared nanoparticles against dengue causing vector was also carried out which resulted in LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of 51.94 ppm and 119.99 ppm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]