‘Green nanotechnology holds potential to combat mosquito-borne diseases’

The use of plant-based “green” synthesized nanomaterials is a new approach to mosquito vector control that should be embraced at this early stage especially given the rich biodiversity of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

According to Ohia Chinenyenwa’s paper on nanotechnology titled, ‘Nanoparticles in mosquito vector control: A green revolution for the future and policy implications,’ the involvement of policy makers through creation of awareness and education regarding the potentials of nanomaterials in vector control will drive more integrated research for the use of “green” nanomaterials in combating mosquito-borne diseases in Nigeria and Africa.

The researcher from the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, stated that “nanotechnology has taken the route of improving available control and intervention measures by increasing their activity range as well as decreasing negative side effects. On the international plane, much attention is being given to the use of nanoparticles to control mosquito populations, and the use of “green” or plant-based synthesized nanomaterials is an attractive area.”

Giving a background to the review, Chinenyenwa stated that “mosquito-borne diseases like malaria are usually potentially fatal infectious diseases, despite the many advances in infectious disease management. The morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases remain major burdens especially in Africa.

“Mosquito vector control, therefore, is a viable means to reduce the spread of these diseases. However, the development of insecticide resistance, lack of awareness, socio-economic factors and the like, limit the effectiveness of existing measures.”

This is why it becomes necessary to “check vector resurgence and proliferation through appropriate control strategies.”

According to Dr Arantxa Sanz from the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia, “nanotechnology has the potential to transform the specificity and efficacy of existing drugs, as well as facilitate novel health tools.

“Although introduction of these new nanotechnologies alone is not enough to overcome existing problems with treating epidemics and pandemics in developing countries, as effective health infrastructures are still lacking, these exciting developments should be put in place sooner rather than later.”