Researchers at Universitas Negeri Gorontalo (UNG) have developed Eco-Repel Spray, a natural mosquito repellent derived from agricultural waste materials including corn silk and papaya leaves. Led by La Ode Aman, Dizky Ramadani Putri Papeo, and Yuniarty Antu, the innovation aims to combat malaria transmission while offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic repellents like DEET.
Malaria remains a persistent global health challenge, sitting alongside tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS as a primary focus of national health interventions in tropical regions. Conventional vector control relies heavily on commercial products containing N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). While effective at deterring disease-carrying vectors like the female Anopheles mosquito, prolonged exposure to high concentrations of DEET can trigger adverse effects such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, neurotoxic symptoms, and gangguan sistem saraf, alongside environmental persistence in soil and aquatic ecosystems.
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- Mechanism of Action: Volatile organic compounds from plant essential oils disrupt the ability of mosquitoes to recognize humans as hosts.
- Active Biochemicals: Corn silk (Zea mays L.) and papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) provide botanical extracts containing flavonoids, saponins, and tannins.
- Safety Profile: Avoiding synthetic chemicals reduces the risk of dermatological irritation and systemic chemical exposure.
Biochemical Synergy of Corn Silk and Papaya Leaf Extracts
The formulation leverages the properties of agricultural byproducts. According to documentation from Universitas Negeri Gorontalo, researchers selected corn silk and papaya leaves because they contain a number of bioactive compounds. Corn silk contains flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and essential oils. The essential oils produce volatile compounds that can disrupt the ability of mosquitoes in recognizing humans as hosts. Furthermore, corn silk contains norbergenin which in research has activity against the growth of malaria parasites.
Papaya leaves contain alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The combination of both materials was developed to produce a longer protection effect against mosquito bites. The flavonoid content in papaya leaves also provides a repellent effect against mosquitoes.
| Plant Source | Key Bioactive Compounds | Primary Biological Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Corn Silk (Zea mays L.) | Flavonoids, Saponins, Tanin, Essential Oils, Norbergenin | Disrupts ability to recognize human hosts; activity against malaria parasite growth. |
| Papaya Leaves (Carica papaya L.) | Alkaloids, Saponins, Flavonoids, Phenolics | Provides repellent effect against mosquitoes. |
| Citronella Oil | Geraniol, Citronellal | Contains aroma not liked by mosquitoes. |
Community Application and Household Preparation Protocols
To bridge laboratory findings with practical community health, the research team deployed a Community-Based Participatory Approach (CBPA) in Botumoito Village, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo. The production protocol is designed to be simple enough to be practiced on a household scale. Formulating the spray requires cleaning 50 to 100 grams of corn silk and 10 to 15 fresh papaya leaves, followed by boiling both components in 1,000 milliliters of water for 20 to 30 minutes. After filtration through gauze to remove particulate matter, the aqueous extract cools to room temperature.
In a separate vessel, 100 milliliters of 70 percent ethanol is blended with 1 milliliter of citronella oil. The plant extract is then gradually introduced to the mixture while being stirred until integrated. This step incorporates geraniol and citronellal, compounds known to have an aroma not liked by mosquitoes. The final mixture is transferred to a spray bottle, and the product is ready to be used.
Public Health Trajectory and Sustainable Development
The initiative highlights a broader shift toward sustainable vector control strategies. By utilizing agricultural waste, the innovation integrates three pillars: human health, environmental preservation through zero waste principles, and local economic strengthening.
