Tunicates as a biocontrol tool for larvicides acute toxicity of Zika virus vector Aedes aegypti

Abstract

In this present study, we conducted untargeted metabolic profiling using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of ascidian Didemnum bistratum to assess the chemical constituents by searching in NIST library with promising biological properties against anti-bacterial and Zika virus vector mosquitocidal properties. Metabolites, steroids and fatty acids are abundant in crude compounds of ascidian D. bistratum and showed potential zone growth inhibition against bacterial strains Kluyvera ascorbate (10 mm). The active crude compounds of D. bistratum exhibited prominent larvicidal activity against the Zika vector mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti (LC50 values of 0.44 mg/ml) and Cluex quinquefasciatus (LC50 values of 2.23 mg/ml). The findings of this study provide a first evidence of the biological properties exhibited by D. bistratum extracts, thus increasing the knowledge about the Zika virus vector mosquitocidal properties of ascidian. Overall, ascidian D. bistratum is promising and biocontrol or eco-friendly tool against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus with prospective toxicity against non-target organisms.