Author: Aldiyarbek Nurlan
Editor: Merentsova Anastasia
Malaria is a major public health problem worldwide, with over 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths annually. Insecticides such as deltamethrin can prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Many insecticides, including deltamethrin, are in the form of crystals. When mosquitoes step on insecticide crystals, the insecticide is absorbed through their feet and, if effective, kills the mosquitoes. However, mosquitoes are becoming more resistant to them, forcing researchers and health officials to look for alternatives with new ways of acting.
As part of their research on the formation and growth of crystals, scientists are studying their alternative forms. For example, the researchers heated a commercially available form of deltamethrin to 110 ° C / 230 ° F for several minutes and allowed it to cool to room temperature, which led to the emergence of a new crystallized form of deltamethrin, consisting of long tiny fibers emanating from a single point.
When tested on Anopheles quadrimaculatus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (both vectors of malaria) and fruit flies, the new crystalline form of deltamethrin worked 12 times faster than the existing form. Rapid-acting insecticides are essential to quickly control mosquitoes before diseases spread.
“The simple preparation of this new crystalline form of deltamethrin, combined with its stability and markedly greater potency, proves to us that the new form can serve as a powerful and affordable tool in the fight against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases,” the researchers noted.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201012152049.htm
