International Clinical and Medical Case Reports Journal (ISSN: 2832-5788) | Volume 4, Issue 11 | Research Article | Open Access
Sesto Cabral Maria Eugenia*
González Exequiel, Sesto Cabral Maria Eugenia*
Laboratorio de Estudios Farmacéuticos y Biotecnología Farmacéutica (LEFyBiFa) - Instituto de Biotecnología Farmacéutica y Alimentaria (INBIOFAL) – CONICET - UNT - Tucumán, Argentina
*Correspondence to: Sesto Cabral Maria Eugenia
Fulltext PDFBacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a primary metabolite synthesized in the bacterial cell of Pseudomonas fluorescens. BNC possesses distinctive characteristics that modify its biological and physicochemical properties. Its ability to adhere to surfaces and skin without generating undesirable reactions makes it a unique model for the design of topical pharmaceutical formulations. Formulation studies developed in our laboratory demonstrate that, with the addition of measured proportions of BNC, it is possible to obtain liquid formulations that act as vectors for volatile substances. Due to its physical characteristics, it reduces the volatilization of substances, generating a thin film on the applied surface. In this work, we present the reformulation of a previously published natural mosquito repellent gel and its replacement with a biphasic spray emulsion, its implementation in the manufacture of a natural mosquito repellent, and a collaborative experience with a rural school and its community in Amberes, Monteros, Tucumán, Argentina. Epidemiological studies conducted in the community revealed alarming data on the prevalence of the dengue virus, which is endemic to the area due to its geographic location. For the selection of natural pharmaceutical active ingredients, aromatic plants from the area with high concentrations of citronellol and/or limonene were analyzed. Cymbopogon citratus was selected due to its abundance in the Antwerp area. Safety and persistence studies of the repellent action were conducted on 150 healthy volunteers from the Amberes Comune.
The main objective was to design a natural mosquito repellent bifasic spray, suitable for all ages, sustainable, and biodegradable, whose ease of application and persistence would represent a technological improvement over the previously designed gel repellent. To ensure the success of the technological design, the quality controls established by the Argentine Pharmacopoeia were carried out. In addition, the safety results, organoleptic characteristics, consumer acceptance, and persistence of the repellent action were evaluated.
Since there is no foreseeable risk from the use of BNC or any other ingredient in the designed repellent, it is possible and representative to assess the safety of its ingredients simply by evaluating the appearance of edema and/or erythema (screening for potential allergies). This study complies with the ethical and scientific standards for the design, conduct, recording, and reporting of studies involving human subjects, as stipulated by the Ministry of Health of Argentina (Resolution No. 1490/07). The redesigned formulation introduces sophisticated technological features, significantly increasing the repellent's duration of action, ease of application, and extending the age range for safe use. The selected plant species met the desired characteristics: a high concentration of limonene terpenes and abundance in the study area. The pH values obtained are adequate and contribute to maintaining skin health. Microbiological stability studies showed no growth of bacteria, fungi, or yeast. This indicates that preservatives suitable for natural products and without endocrine-disrupting effects are capable of preserving the product for at least six months. Studies in healthy volunteers showed an absence of edema and erythema within 24 hours of application. No skin dryness was observed among the 150 volunteers surveyed. The product's persistence on the skin and its repellent action lasted at least 8 hours in more than 80% of cases. The organoleptic properties were satisfactory. The product was described as smooth, with a pleasant aroma, rapid absorption, and a persistent cooling sensation.
The product is suitable for use as a mosquito repellent; its design is optimal for the area where the study was conducted, due to its climatic characteristics and living conditions. It is desirable to continue the studies by expanding the number of healthy volunteers and the area of influence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the province of Tucumán.
Bacterial Nano Cellulose; Mosquito repelent; Topical formulation; Natural products
González Exequiel, Sesto Cabral Maria Eugenia. Bacterial Nanocellulose: An Alternative To Increase The Mosquito Repellent's Duration. Natural Repellent Bifasic Spray. Community Experience in A Rural Area with A High Prevalence. Int Clinc Med Case Rep Jour. 2025;4(11):1-14.