Comparative efficacy of natural and nano-sized diatomaceous earth against American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, for sustainable control
Data files
Abstract
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is gaining recognition as a sustainable, eco-friendly insecticidal agent, but its effectiveness is often limited by particle size and surface features. Nanotechnology may provide a promising way to overcome these limitations. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the insecticidal effects of natural and nano-sized DE against the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Natural DE was transformed into nanoform using the ball milling technique. Adults were exposed to five concentrations of each formulation, and mortality was measured. The lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) were determined, and biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural analyses were performed to understand the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that both forms of DE caused significant mortality; however, nano-sized DE demonstrated notably higher effectiveness, reaching 100% mortality at 72 hours and exhibiting lower LC₅₀ values than the natural form. Biochemical tests revealed that both DE and nano-sized DE significantly reduced total lipids and total antioxidant capacity, with nano-sized DE having a stronger effect. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, indicated by malondialdehyde levels, was significantly increased, especially in the nano-DE group. Ultrastructural examinations revealed marked thickening and disorganization of the endocuticle, partial depletion of lipid-rich layers, and disruption of epidermal cells. Remarkably, nano-sized DE particles were observed within the cuticular matrix and interacted with lipids, indicating enhanced adhesion and mechanical disruption. In summary, these findings show that nano-sized formulation significantly boosts the insecticidal effect of DE against P. americana. The study offers valuable insights into how nanotechnology can optimize DE-based pest control strategies, promoting sustainable and environmentally safe management methods.
Authors: Hanaa Elbrense, Mostafa El-Sheekh, Mohamed T. Yassin, Marwa N. El-Nahass, Samar El-Kholy
Corresponding author: Samar El Kholy (samar_elkholy@science.tanta.edu.eg) ORCID number: 0000-0003-2816-7243
Dataset DOI: https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.wdbrv164s
Description of the data and file structure
The study investigated the comparative insecticidal efficacy of natural diatomaceous earth (DE) and nano-sized diatomaceous earth (Nano-DE) against the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Natural DE was converted into nano-sized particles using the ball milling technique. Adult cockroaches were exposed to five concentrations of each formulation, and mortality was recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours post exposure. LC50 values were estimated. In addition, biochemical, physiological, histological, and ultrastructural analyses were performed. Nanoparticle characterization was conducted using FTIR, XRD, TEM, and TGA analyses.
Files and variables
Biological__parameters.xlsx
Description: This Excel spreadsheet contains four sheets:
Sheet 1: DE normal – Mortality of adult Periplaneta americana exposed to five concentrations of natural diatomaceous earth, recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h post exposure (five replicates per concentration) and nano-DE.
Sheet 2: Nano-sized DE– Mortality of adult Periplaneta americana exposed to five concentrations of nano-sized diatomaceous earth, recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h post exposure (five replicates per concentration).
Sheet 3: Biochemical – Total lipid (mg/g), malondialdehyde (MDA, nmol/g), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measured in adults after exposure to sublethal concentrations of natural DE and nano-DE. (Three replicates per treatment).
Sheet 4: Water loss – Fresh and final body weight of adult Periplaneta americana after exposure to sublethal concentrations of natural DE and nano-DE to assess water loss.(Three replicates per treatment).
XRD.OPJ
Description: This is the original Origin project file (.opj) containing the plotted X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns and raw data points for the diatomaceous earth samples. It can be opened using Origin software.
XRD.txt
Descrption: A plain text file (.txt) containing the raw, two column numerical data (2-Theta values and Intensity counts) obtained directly from the XRD instrument. This allows to replot the data using Origin software.
FTIR.pdf
Description: A document format (.pdf) file displaying the final, formatted Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectrum, showing the functional groups and chemical bonds of the diatomaceous earth sample.
FTIR.xls
Description: An Excel spreadsheet (.xls) containing the raw numerical data matrix (Wavenumber, cm-1) and Percentage Transmittance, T%) for the FTIR analysis, used for data auditing and replotting.