# Semi-Field Evaluation and Genotoxicity of Chlorophyllin Applied Against Aedes aegypti Larvae (Diptera, Culicidae)

## TL;DR

Chlorophyllin effectively kills mosquito larvae and is safer than traditional pesticides, offering a promising method for dengue fever prevention.

## Contribution

Demonstrates chlorophyllin's larvicidal efficacy and lower genotoxicity compared to conventional agents like pheophorbide and Bacillus sphaericus.

## Key findings

- Chlorophyllin showed an LC50 of 0.47 ppm in lab conditions and 93.3 ppm in semi-field settings against Aedes aegypti larvae.
- RAPD-PCR analysis indicated chlorophyllin-treated larvae had DNA similarity index of 0.8 compared to healthy larvae.
- Histopathological analysis revealed gut epithelial and muscle tissue damage in chlorophyllin-treated larvae.

## Abstract

Dengue fever is a serious illness transmitted by mosquitoes, affecting many people in tropical and subtropical regions. Currently, there are no specific treatments available for this disease, making it crucial to find effective ways to control the mosquito population. This study explores the use of chlorophyllin, a natural compound derived from chlorophyll, as a potential method for killing mosquito larvae. Our research showed that chlorophyllin is highly effective, with a strong ability to reduce larvae numbers in laboratory tests and in more natural settings. Additionally, we found that using chlorophyllin does not significantly alter the genetic makeup of the treated mosquito larvae compared to traditional pesticides, which can cause harmful effects. This finding suggests that chlorophyllin could be a safer alternative for controlling mosquito populations. By using chlorophyllin, we can help reduce the spread of dengue fever, contributing to better public health and safer communities.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that recently appeared in Upper Egypt. Globally, more than 50 million new infections occur annually. It currently lacks effective treatment, necessitating vector control strategies targeting Aedes aegypti. This study investigates the potential of chlorophyllin as a control agent against dengue vectors. Chlorophyllin was characterized by FTIR analysis. The singlet oxygen quantum yield was determined by comparing the luminescence intensity at 1270 nm with that of phenalenone, yielding a value of 0.18. LC50 and LC90 values were calculated for chlorophyllin. Its larvicidal efficacy was assessed, revealing an LC50 of 0.47 ppm in controlled laboratories and 93.3 ppm in semi-field conditions, demonstrating its superior potency against Aedes aegypti compared to pheophorbide and Bacillus sphaericus. Genotoxicity was analyzed through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR, and histopathological changes were documented through microscopic examination. The genotoxicity results revealed high similarity in the DNA configurations of chlorophyllin-treated larvae and healthy individuals (similarity index of 0.8), whereas pheophorbide and Bacillus sphaericus exhibited substantial genetic deviations. Histopathological analysis demonstrated severe disruptions in chlorophyllin-treated larvae’s gut epithelial cells and muscle tissues, including epithelial detachment and irregular cell shapes. These findings position chlorophyllin as a promising gut toxin larvicide for Aedes aegypti control, with a more favorable genetic safety profile than conventional chemicals.