Synthesis of N-acyl glycine surfactant from palm oil as green repellent and toxicant to termite (Microcerotermes diversus)

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2022 Aug 1;94(3):e20201601. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202220201601. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

This study described for the first time, the synthesis of a greener, safer, and more effective termiticide using a bio-based surfactant, N-acyl glycine derived from palm oil for the control of Microcerotermes diversus. Laboratory findings showed that the highest repellent activity was observed in N-acyl glycine surfactant (83.33%) at 50 ppm. In addition, N-acyl glycine surfactant also exhibited substantial time and concentration-dependent anti-termiticidal activity in which the highest termite mortality was observed after 3 days of exposure at 50 ppm of the surfactant (100%). Furthermore, 32.49 ppm concentration of N-acyl glycine surfactant (LC50 = 32.49 ppm) attained 50% of termite lethality. The current innovated termiticide with the use of N-acyl glycine surfactant offers a better efficacy, lower cost, and prevents the use of dangerous termiticides that are critical in creating a more sustainable environment, and controls Microcerotermes diversus at the same time.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Excipients
  • Glycine / pharmacology
  • Isoptera*
  • Palm Oil
  • Surface-Active Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Excipients
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Palm Oil
  • Glycine