journal article·2024-10-11Open access

Thymol-Loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules’ Repellent Activity on Nymphs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu Lato

Amanda M. R. Sales, Gessyka R. S. Pereira, Lais C. N. Lima, Caio M. O. Monteiro, Breno N. Matos, Stephânia F. Taveira, Marcilio Cunha-Filho, Guilherme M. Gelfuso, Tais Gratieri

Coatings· Volume 14· Issue 10

Abstract

Thymol-loaded polymeric nanocapsules were developed in this study to control volatilization and drug release for repellent application on Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Policaprolactone-loaded nanocapsules were prepared and characterized by diameter, PdI, zeta potential, pH, entrapment efficiency, and thymol content. Moreover, drug release, skin permeation profile, and repellent activity were evaluated. Nanocapsules showed a mean diameter of 195.7 ± 0.5 nm, a PdI of 0.20 ± 0.01, a zeta potential of −20.6 ± 0.3 mV, a pH of 4.7 ± 0.1, and an entrapment efficiency and a thymol content of 80.1 ± 0.1% and 97.9 ± 0.2%, respectively. The nanosystem progressively released 68.6 ± 2.3% of the thymol over 24 h, demonstrating that it can control drug release. Thymol-loaded nanocapsules showed less epidermis penetration upon skin application than pure thymol (control). Moreover, nanocapsules showed 60–70% repellency for 2 h against Rhipicephalus sanguineus nymphs. Thus, the nanocapsules proved to be a promising alternative for use as an arthropod repellent.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Insect Pest Control Strategies · Insect and Pesticide Research · Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Laboratory of Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics (LTMAC), University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil

Laboratory of Nanosystems and Drug Delivery Devices (NanoSYS), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 240, Setor Leste Universitário, Goiânia 74605-170, GO, Brazil

Laboratório de Biologia, Ecologia e Controle de Carrapatos (LaBEC), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública da Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Rua 235, Setor Universitário, Goiânia 74605-050, GO, Brazil

Funding

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico · Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Distrito Federal Induzida · Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

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