摘要
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 atλ_(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(LC_(50):0.83 ppm)were more susceptible to neem-Ag NPs than adults(LC_(50):1.07 ppm).In addition,neem-Ag NPs and neem at LC_(50)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.
