Innovative formulations of PCL: Pluronic monoliths with copaiba oleoresin using supercritical CO2 foaming/mixing to control Aedes aegypti

Abstract

Copaiba oleoresin (Co), a promising bioactive agent to control Aedes aegypti proliferation, was incorporated by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) foaming/mixing method (SFM) in two types of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), PCL45 and PCL50, using Pluronic F-68 (Plu) as a surfactant and porogenic agent. The SFM was performed at 35 °C, scCO2 densities of 750 and 850 kg m-3, soaking time of 2.5 h, and depressurization rate of 5 bar min-1. The physicochemical characterization of monoliths, the in vitro release, and larvicidal activity against A. aegypti larvae were evaluated. All monoliths with copaiba oleoresin presented larvicidal effects. The best results were observed for PCL45:Plu:Co (56:3:41) monoliths at 750 and 850 kg m-3. This result can be attributed to the higher hydrophobicity of PCL45 than PCL50. These findings indicate that copaiba oleoresin-loaded PCL:Plu:Co monoliths are innovative and sustainable materials capable of controlling the proliferation of A. aegypti larvae and insects to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.