Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Cosmos bipinnatus essential oil for sustainable management of plant parasitic nematodes
Source abstract
Abstract
The sustainable management of plant-parasitic nematodes is a growing concern in agriculture due to the limitations of synthetic nematicides, such as environmental toxicity and resistance development. This study reports, for the first time, the encapsulation of Cosmos bipinnatus essential oil (CAO) into chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) for nematicidal application against Meloidogyne incognita. GC–MS analysis identified cis-β-ocimene, cosmene, germacrene D, sabinene, and β-pinene as the dominant constituents. The resulting CSNPs exhibited favourable physicochemical characteristics (mean diameter: 91.2 nm; encapsulation efficiency: 83%) and a pH-responsive controlled release profile. In vitro assays revealed that at the highest concentration (1000 µg/mL), CSNPs demonstrated significantly higher nematode mortality (100%) and egg hatching inhibition (100%) than CAO (77% mortality and 89.04% egg hatching inhibition) and comparable to the commercial nematicide Nimitz at 96 h. Enhanced acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition by CSNPs (IC50 = 16.14 ± 0.05 µg/mL) was observed, with IC50 value approaching that of the standard physostigmine (IC50 = 8.57 ± 0.08 µg/mL). Docking studies confirmed favorable interactions of germacrene D (− 6.8 kcal/mol), sabinene (-6.3 kcal/mol), caryophyllene (− 6.2 kcal/mol), β-pinene − 6.1 kcal/mol), and endo-arbozol (− 5.6 kcal/mol) with AChE’s active site, suggesting a neurotoxic mode of action.The study also evaluated ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) properties of major terpenoids, confirming favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for potential agrochemical development. These results highlight the efficacy and mechanistic relevance of chitosan-based nanoformulations of C. bipinnatus EO as a promising biopesticide alternative for integrated nematode control.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Polymer-Based Agricultural Enhancements · Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging · Nematode management and characterization studies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (62)
Show source-provided references
1. Yigezu Wendimu G. Biology, Taxonomy, and Management of the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Sweet Potato. Adv Agric. 2021;2021:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8820211.10.1155/2021/8820211 ↗
2. Desaeger J, Wram C, Zasada I. New reduced-risk agricultural nematicides - rationale and review. J Nematol. 2020;52(1):1–16. https://doi.org/10.21307/jofnem-2020-091.10.21307/jofnem-2020-091 ↗
3. Arya S, Kumar R, Prakash O, Kumar S, Mahawer SK, Chamoli S, et al. Chemical composition and biological activities of Hedychium coccineum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. essential oils from Kumaun Hills of Uttarakhand. Molecules. 2022;27(15):4833. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154833.10.3390/molecules27154833 ↗
4. de Santana Oliveira M, Vostinaru O, Rigano D, de Aguiar Andra EH. Editorial: bioactive compounds present in essential oils: advances and pharmacological applications. Front Pharmacol. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1130097.10.3389/fphar.2023.1130097 ↗
5. de Moraes ÂAB, Ferreira OO, da Costa LS, Almeida LQ, Varela ELP, Cascaes MM, et al. Phytochemical profile, preliminary toxicity, and antioxidant capacity of the essential oils of Myrciaria floribunda (H. West ex Willd.) O. Berg. and Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey) DC. (Myrtaceae). Antioxidants. 2022;11(10):2076. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11102076.10.3390/antiox11102076 ↗
6. Catani L, Manachini B, Grassi E, Guidi L, Semprucci F. Essential oils as nematicides in plant protection—a review. Plants. 2023;12(6):1418. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061418.10.3390/plants12061418 ↗
7. Rodrigues TLM, Castro GLS, Viana RG, Gurgel ESC, Silva SG, de Oliveira MS, et al. Physiological performance and chemical compositions of the Eryngium foetidum L. (Apiaceae) essential oil cultivated with different fertilizer sources. Nat Prod Res. 2021;35(23):1–5. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2020.1795653.10.1080/14786419.2020.1795653 ↗
8. Ntalli NG, Ferrari F, Giannakou I, Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi U. Synergistic and antagonistic interactions of terpenes against Meloidogyne incognita and the nematicidal activity of essential oils from seven plants indigenous to Greece. Pest Manag Sci. 2011;67(3):341–51.10.1002/ps.2070 ↗
9. Sarri K, Mourouzidou S, Ntalli N, Monokrousos N. Recent advances and developments in the nematicidal activity of essential oils and their components against root-knot nematodes. Agronomy. 2024;14(1):213. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14010213.10.3390/agronomy14010213 ↗
10. Opperman CH, Chang’ S. Plant-parasitic nematode acetylcholinesterase inhibition by carbamate and organophosphate nematicides. J Nematol. 1990;22(4):481.
11. Al-Rehiayani SM. Acetylcholinesterase in selected plant-parasitic nematodes: inhibition, kinetic and comparative studies. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2008;90(1):19–25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2007.07.004.10.1016/j.pestbp.2007.07.004 ↗
12. Pacule HB, Vanegas JA, Terra WC, Campos VP, Oliveira DF. (R)-carvone is a potential soil fumigant against Meloidogyne incognita whose likely enzymatic target in the nematode is acetylcholinesterase. Exp Parasitol. 2022;241:108359.10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108359 ↗
13. Karakoti H, Bargali P, Kumar R, Prakash O, Kumar S, Garzoli S, et al. Comparison of chemical composition, nematicidal activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition with in silico mechanistic insights of Hedychium flavescens essential oils and extracts from aerial parts and rhizomes. Biochem Syst Ecol. 2025;121:104987.10.1016/j.bse.2025.104987 ↗
14. Werrie P-Y, Durenne B, Delaplace P, Fauconnier M-L. Phytotoxicity of essential oils: opportunities and constraints for the development of biopesticides. A review. Foods. 2020;9(9):1291. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9091291.10.3390/foods9091291 ↗
15. Ayllón-Gutiérrez R, Díaz-Rubio L, Montaño-Soto M, Haro-Vázquez MdelP, Córdova-Guerrero I. Applications of plant essential oils in pest control and their encapsulation for controlled release: a review. Agriculture. 2024;14(10):1766. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101766.10.3390/agriculture14101766 ↗
16. Vishwakarma GS, Gautam N, Babu JN, Mittal S, Jaitak V. Polymeric encapsulates of essential oils and their constituents: a review of preparation techniques, characterization, and sustainable release mechanisms. Polym Rev. 2016;56(4):668–701.10.1080/15583724.2015.1123725 ↗
17. Maluin FN, Hussein MZ. Chitosan-based agronanochemicals as a sustainable alternative in crop protection. Molecules. 2020;25(7):1611. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071611.10.3390/molecules25071611 ↗
18. Das A, Ghosh S, Pramanik N. Chitosan biopolymer and its composites: processing, properties and applications- a comprehensive review. Hybrid Adv. 2024;6:100265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hybadv.2024.100265.10.1016/j.hybadv.2024.100265 ↗
19. Khalil MS, Badawy ME. Nematicidal activity of a biopolymer chitosan at different molecular weights against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Plant Prot Sci. 2012;48(4):170.10.17221/46/2011-PPS ↗
20. Jo Y-H, Seo G-U, Yuk H-G, Lee S-C. Antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of methanol extracts from Magnolia denudata and Magnolia denudata var. purpurascens flowers. Food Res Int. 2012;47(2):197–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2011.05.032.10.1016/j.foodres.2011.05.032 ↗
21. Jang I-C, Park J-H, Park E, Park H-R, Lee S-C. Antioxidative and antigenotoxic activity of extracts from Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) flowers. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2008;63(4):205–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-008-0086-8.10.1007/s11130-008-0086-8 ↗
22. Olajuyigbe O, Ashafa A. Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil of cosmos bipinnatus Cav leaves from South Africa. Iranian J Pharma Res. 2014;13(4):1417.
23. Akihisa T, Yasukawa K, Oinuma H, Kasahara Y, Yamanouchi S, Takido M, et al. Triterpene alcohols from the flowers of compositae and their anti-inflammatory effects. Phytochemistry. 1996;43(6):1255–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(96)00343-3.10.1016/S0031-9422(96)00343-3 ↗
24. Kulichenko EO, Andreeva OA, Sergeeva EO, Sigareva SS, Terekhov AY, Oganesyan ET, et al. Pharmacological activity of extracts from plants of Cosmos bipinnatus Cav. species. Pharmacy & Pharmacology. 2022;10(1):82–92. https://doi.org/10.19163/2307-9266-2022-10-1-82-92.10.19163/2307-9266-2022-10-1-82-92 ↗
25. Modise SA, Ashafa AOT. Larvicidal, pupicidal and insecticidal activities of Cosmos bipinnatus Foeniculum vulgare and Tagetes minuta against Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Trop J Pharm Res. 2016;15(5):965. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v15i5.10.10.4314/tjpr.v15i5.10 ↗
26. Saleem M, Ali HA, Akhtar MF, Saleem U, Saleem A, Irshad I. Chemical characterisation and hepatoprotective potential of Cosmos sulphureus Cav. and Cosmos bipinnatus Cav. Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):897–900. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1413557.10.1080/14786419.2017.1413557 ↗
27. Drummondi C. Studies related to naturally occurring acetylene compounds. XVI. A conjugated tetraene—cosmene—from the essential oil of Cosmos bipinnatus. Acta Chem Scand. 1954;8(2):186–8.
28. Boyom FF, Amvam Zollo PH, Agnaniet H, Menut C, Bessière JM. Aromatic plants of tropical Central Africa. Part XLIII volatile components from Uvariastrum pierreanum Engl. (Engl. & Diels) growing in Cameroon. Flavour Fragr J. 2003;18(4):296–8. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffj.1218.10.1002/ffj.1218 ↗
29. Fernandes L, Casal S, Pereira JA, Malheiro R, Rodrigues N, Saraiva JA, et al. Borage, calendula, cosmos, Johnny Jump up, and pansy flowers: volatiles, bioactive compounds, and sensory perception. Eur Food Res Technol. 2019;245(3):593–606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-018-3183-4.10.1007/s00217-018-3183-4 ↗
30. Saito K. Flavone glycosides in the ray flowers of Cosmos bipinnatus. Planta Med. 1976;30(08):349–55. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1097742.10.1055/s-0028-1097742 ↗
31. Clevenger JF. Apparatus for the determination of volatile oil. J American Pharma Assoc. 1928;17(4):345–9.
32. Adams RP. Identification of essential oil components by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. 456th ed. Carol Stream: Allured Publishing Corporation; 2007.
33. Shetta A, Kegere J, Mamdouh W. Comparative study of encapsulated peppermint and green tea essential oils in chitosan nanoparticles: encapsulation, thermal stability, in-vitro release, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019;126:731–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.161.10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.161 ↗
34. Bargali P, Kumar R, Joshi S, Karakoti H, Gautam S, Rawat S, et al. Artemisia annua L. essential oil-loaded chitosan nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, in-vitro release kinetics, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition as a mode of action against plant-parasitic nematodes. Int J Biol Macromol. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144221.10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144221 ↗
35. Natrajan R, Sailem H, Mardakheh FK, Arias Garcia M, Tape CJ, Dowsett M, et al. Microenvironmental heterogeneity parallels breast cancer progression: a histology–genomic integration analysis. PLoS Med. 2016;13(2):e1001961. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001961.10.1371/journal.pmed.1001961 ↗
36. Karakoti H, Kumar R, Prakash O, Dhami A, Kumar S, Rawat DS. Bioactive flavonoids from Leucosceptrum canum with nematicidal efficacy and mechanistic insights through acetylcholinesterase inhibition and docking study. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2025;208:106294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106294.10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106294 ↗
37. Abbott WS. A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. J Econ Entomol. 1925;18(2):265–7. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/18.2.265a.10.1093/jee/18.2.265a ↗
38. Ellman GL, Courtney KD, Andres V, Featherstone RM. A new and rapid colorimetric determination of acetylcholinesterase activity. Biochem Pharmacol. 1961;7(2):88–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-2952(61)90145-9.10.1016/0006-2952(61)90145-9 ↗
39. Alimi D, Hajri A, Jallouli S, Sebai H. Acaricidal and anthelmintic efficacy of Ocimum basilicum essential oil and its major constituents estragole and linalool, with insights on acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Vet Parasitol. 2022;309:109743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109743.10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109743 ↗
40. Rajasekharan SK, Kim S, Kim JC, Lee J. Nematicidal activity of 5-iodoindole against root-knot nematodes. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2020;163:76–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.10.012.10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.10.012 ↗
41. Kundu A, Dutta A, Mandal A, Negi L, Malik M, Puramchatwad R, et al. A comprehensive in vitro and in silico analysis of nematicidal action of essential oils. Front Plant Sci. 2021;1:614143. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.614143.10.3389/fpls.2020.614143 ↗
42. Bhuiyan MNI, Nahid M. Comparison of the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of two types of cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus Cav. and Bidens ferulifolia (Jacq.)) Leaf essential oils introduced in Bangladesh. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2023;14:1–7.
43. Tariku Y, Hymete A, Hailu A, Rohloff J. In vitro evaluation of antileishmanial activity and toxicity of essential oils of Artemisia absinthium and Echinops kebericho. Chem Biodivers. 2011;8(4):614–23. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201000331.10.1002/cbdv.201000331 ↗
44. Al-Wahaibi LHN, Mahmood A, Khan M, Alkhathlan HZ. Comparative study on the essential oils of Artemisia judaica and A. herba-alba from Saudi Arabia. Arab J Chem. 2020;13(1):2053–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2018.03.004.10.1016/j.arabjc.2018.03.004 ↗
45. Amine S, Bouhrim M, Mechchate H, Ailli A, Radi M, Sahpaz S, et al. Influence of abiotic factors on the phytochemical profile of two species of Artemisia: A. herba alba Asso and A. mesatlantica Maire. Int J Plant Biol. 2022;13(2):55–70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb13020007.10.3390/ijpb13020007 ↗
46. Hammad EA, El-Sagheer AM. Comparative efficacy of essential oil nanoemulsions and bioproducts as alternative strategies against root-knot nematode, and its impact on the growth and yield of Capsicum annuum L. J Saudi Soc Agric Sci. 2023;22(1):47–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssas.2022.06.002.10.1016/j.jssas.2022.06.002 ↗
47. Basaid K, Chebli B, Bouharroud R, Elaini R, Alaoui IF, Kaoui S, et al. Biocontrol potential of essential oil from Moroccan Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris. J Plant Dis Prot. 2021;128(5):1157–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-021-00489-0.10.1007/s41348-021-00489-0 ↗
48. Adekunle OK, Acharya R, Singh B. Toxicity of pure compounds isolated from Tagetes minuta oil to Meloidogyne incognita. Australas Plant Dis Notes. 2007;2(1):101. https://doi.org/10.1071/DN07042.10.1071/DN07042 ↗
49. Shi S, Zhang X, Liu X, Chen Z, Tang H, Hu D, et al. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil from Seseli mairei H. Wolff (Apiaceae) roots and their nematicidal activity. Molecules. 2023;28(5):2205. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052205.10.3390/molecules28052205 ↗
50. Ahluwalia V, Sisodia R, Walia S, Sati OP, Kumar J, Kundu A. Chemical analysis of essential oils of Eupatorium adenophorum and their antimicrobial, antioxidant and phytotoxic properties. J Pest Sci (2004). 2014;87(2):341–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-013-0542-6.10.1007/s10340-013-0542-6 ↗
51. Hamada Saoud D, Hadjadj S, Bencheikh SE, Goudjil MB, Bouafia A, Ladjel S, et al. Phytochemical screening of aerial organs of wild fennel essential oils from southeast Algeria: identification of chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Biomass Convers Biorefin. 2024;14(14):16257–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-023-03770-4.10.1007/s13399-023-03770-4 ↗
52. Laquale S, Avato P, Argentieri MP, Bellardi MG, D’Addabbo T. Nematotoxic activity of essential oils from Monarda species. J Pest Sci. 2018;91(3):1115–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-018-0957-1.10.1007/s10340-018-0957-1 ↗
53. D’Addabbo T, Laquale S, Argentieri MP, Bellardi MG, Avato P. Nematicidal activity of essential oil from Lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.) as related to chemical profile. Molecules. 2021;26(21):6448. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216448.10.3390/molecules26216448 ↗
54. Castillo DF, Sánchez-Andica RA, Enriquez BF, Restrepo J, Páez-Melo MI. Encapsulation of Ruta essential oil in chitosan and alginate matrices as an ecological alternative for the control of nematodes. J Microencapsul. 2023;40(4):233–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/02652048.2023.2188939.10.1080/02652048.2023.2188939 ↗
55. Nguyen D-M-C, Luong T-H, Nguyen T-K, Jung W-J. Nematicidal activity of cinnamon bark extracts and chitosan against Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus coffeae. Nematology. 2020;23(6):655–66. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685411-bja10067.10.1163/15685411-bja10067 ↗
56. Zhang M, Tan T, Yuan H, Rui C. Insecticidal and fungicidal activities of chitosan and oligo-chitosan. J Bioact Compat Polym. 2003;18(5):391–400. https://doi.org/10.1177/0883911503039019.10.1177/0883911503039019 ↗
57. Fan Z, Wang L, Qin Y, Li P. Activity of chitin/chitosan/chitosan oligosaccharide against plant pathogenic nematodes and potential modes of application in agriculture: a review. Carbohydr Polym. 2023;306:120592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120592.10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120592 ↗
58. Salihu AS, Salleh WMNHW, Ogunwa TH. Chemical composition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and molecular docking studies of essential oil from Knema hookeriana Warb. (Myristicaceae). Nat Prod Res. 2024;38(14):2516–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2023.2184359.10.1080/14786419.2023.2184359 ↗
59. Bonesi M, Menichini F, Tundis R, Loizzo MR, Conforti F, Passalacqua NG, et al. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of Pinus species essential oils and their constituents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2010;25(5):622–8. https://doi.org/10.3109/14756360903389856.10.3109/14756360903389856 ↗
60. Murata K, Matsumura S, Yoshioka Y, Ueno Y, Matsuda H. Screening of β-secretase and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from plant resources. J Nat Med. 2015;69(1):123–9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-014-0859-3.10.1007/s11418-014-0859-3 ↗
61. Rajkumar V, Gunasekaran C, Paul CA, Dharmaraj J. Development of encapsulated peppermint essential oil in chitosan nanoparticles: characterization and biological efficacy against stored-grain pest control. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2020;170:104679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104679.10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104679 ↗
62. El-Shiekh RA, Kassem HAH, Khaleel AE, Abd El-Mageed MMA. Anticholinesterases activity of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jacq. essential oils with GC/MS analysis and molecular docking. Nat Prod Res. 2024;38(12):2155–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2023.2241150.10.1080/14786419.2023.2241150 ↗