Development of polymeric systems based on essential oils and evaluation of their repellent activity against triatoma infestans

LOPEZ SANDRA; TAPIA A.; ABRAHAM, GUSTAVO A.; CORTEZ TORNELLO P.R.

Mendoza

Encuentro; XXXVI Reunión Científica Anual Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2018

Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo

Chagas disease is a very complex zoonosis that is present throughout the territory of South America, Central America and Mexico, and continues to represent a serious threat to the health of the countries of the region. The main strategies used to interrupt vector transmission of Tripanosoma cruzi by Triatoma infestans (primary responsible for the Chagas disease transmission), are the elimination or reduction of its abundance in homes through the application of insecticides with residual power, and environmental management through the improvement of housing. The abuse of conventional chemical pesticides has led to serious consequences such as toxic residues, development of resistance, increase of secondary pests and, in general, problems of toxicity. Faced with these problems, there is a need to change the application strategies of insecticides and look for new methods of pest control that are respectful of the environment and the health of people. Essential oils have been presented as an alternative in the control of insect pests. due to its low toxicity in mammals, little residual life in the environment, and fewer requirements imposed by the legal framework, because they enjoy social acceptance due to the widespread use of aromatic species. The repellents, although they do not kill the insect, are a good preventive alternative to avoid the bite of the vectors. The aim of this work was the development of polymeric systems based on three essential oils (SPAES) previously selected, and evaluation of their potential repellent activity against T. infestans. Aerial part of Acantholippia seriphioides, Artemisia mendozana, Azorella cryptantha, Azorella trifurcata, Baccharis grisebachii, Gymnophyton polycephalum, Larrea nitida, Tagetes mendocina, Zuccagnia punctata, were collected from Central Andes area, Argentina, during the 2017-2018 flowering period and were hydrodistilled in aClevengertype apparatus for 1 h, according to the method recommended by the European Pharmacopoeia and characterized by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. Repellency on T. infestans nymphs was determined according to a standard method.Polymeric systems with different morphology such as films and microparticles will be prepared incorporating the selected essential oils, according to previously reported methodologies Artemisia mendozana, Azorella cryptantha and Zuccagnia punctata showed a repellent activity against T. Infestans of (60-90%) equivalent to IV-V class. Authors are grateful to CICITCA-UNSJ, and UNMdP.