Chitosan nanocomposite containing rotenoids: an alternative bioinsecticidal approach for the management of .

Climate change has intensified the proliferation of disease vectors, such as , the primary transmitter of dengue, chikungunya, and zika viruses. Although the two recently licensed dengue vaccines represent a significant advancement, vector management remains the primary strategy for preventing these urban arboviruses. In this context, the development of pesticides that offer safer alternatives for the environment and human health has become urgent.

Exceptional Heme Tolerance in : Proteomic Insights into Oxidative Stress Adaptation in the Midgut.

, isolated from the midgut of , displays remarkable resilience to hemin, a toxic hemoglobin byproduct generated during blood digestion. This study explores its proteomic adaptations under oxidative stress induced by 5 mM hemin, mimicking midgut conditions. Growth assays demonstrated that tolerated hemin concentrations ranging from 5 µM to 1 mM, reaching the stationary phase within approximately 10 h.

Structural and Functional Analysis of Hemoglobin Binding to the Peritrophic Matrix During Blood Digestion in .

The mosquito is responsible for transmitting pathogens such as the Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. The peritrophic matrix (PM) is an extracellular chitin-rich structure that lines the midgut of arthropods, providing a crucial protective barrier for the gut epithelium against mechanical damage, ingested pathogens, and toxic substances. During blood digestion, hemoglobin is lysed, releasing free heme into the midgut lumen.

Rotenoids from Clitoria fairchildiana R. Howard (Fabaceae) seeds affect the cellular metabolism of larvae of Aedes aegypti L. (Culicidae).

Non-domesticated species may represent a treasure chest of defensive molecules which must be investigated and rescued. Clitoria fairchildiana R. Howard is a non-domesticated Fabacea, native from the Amazonian Forest whose seeds are exquisitely refractory to insect predation.

A vicilin-like protein extracted from Clitoria fairchildiana cotyledons was toxic to Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Callosobruchus maculatus is the main pest cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Given its relevance as an insect pest, studies have focused in finding toxic compounds which could prevent its predatory action towards the seeds. Clitoria fairchildiana is a native Amazon species, whose seeds are refractory to insect predation.