US21: TREKGUARD BIO PA-BAND: Wearable Mosquito Protection

Nurhidanatasha Binti Abu Bakar Universiti Sains Malaysia

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue, a disease affecting about 390 million people worldwide each year. Increasing resistance to chemical insecticides and environmental concerns highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. This innovation explores Piper aduncum essential oil (PAEO) as a plant-based mosquito control solution. Laboratory studies showed that PAEO exhibited strong larvicidal, pupacidal, adulticidal (>90% mortality below 100 ppm), and oviposition deterrent activities, with over 70% reduction in egg-laying. In silico molecular docking further revealed strong interactions between PAEO compounds and mosquito odorant-binding proteins, indicating disruption of host-seeking behavior. This dual-action approach supports PAEO as an eco-friendly alternative for sustainable dengue vector control.