Molluscicidal effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Azadirachta indica on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae

Abstract

Objective: To assess the molluscicidal effect of the eco-friendly green synthesized neem silver nanoparticles (neem-Ag NPs) against Biomphalaria alexandrina, the snail intermediate host for Schistosoma mansoni, and their cercaricidal potential. Methods: Methanol extracts from neem fruits were used for green synthesis of neem-Ag NPs. The neem-Ag NPs were characterized using UV-visible absorption spectra, dynamic laser light scattering technique, and transmission electron microscopy. The potential molluscicidal effect against adult and juvenile Biomphalaria alexandrina and the effect of the sub-lethal concentration on hatching of snail eggs and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae were evaluated. Results: The surface plasmon resonance of neem-Ag NPs showed a sharp absorption peak at λ_max = 518 nm together with multiple peaks. The hydrodynamic diameter was (77.15±34.53) nm, the polydispersity index (0.338±0.000) and the zeta-potential –14.07 mV. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy showed that the average size of the nanoparticles was (27±2) nm. Agglomeration was evident and a light-colored capping layer could be seen coating the nanoparticles. Juvenile snails (LC₅₀: 0.83 ppm) were more susceptible to neem-Ag NPs than adults (LC₅₀: 1.07 ppm). In addition, neem-Ag NPs and neem at LC₅₀ concentrations inhibited the egg-hatching of snails and showed cercaricidal activity in a time-dependent manner. Conclusions: Neem-Ag NPs have lethal activities against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and their eggs, as well as Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. Hence, neem-Ag NPs could be a potential agent to control schistosomiasis.

Keywords

Biomphalaria alexandrina / Neem / Schistosoma mansoni / Azadirachta indica / Silver nanoparticles / Molluscicide

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Dr. Wagdy Khalil, Department of Cell Biology, National Research Centre, for helping in preparation and characterization of the nanoparticles.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

The authors receive no extramural funding for the study.

Authors’ contributions

IFA designed the study. SSY, IFA and KHR performed the experiment. SSY and IFA collected, analyzed and interpreted the data, wrote and revised the article and prepared the figures. SSY, IFA and KHR approved the final version to be published.

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