Three-dimensional chitosan matrices containing lipid fractions from *Carica papaya* and their biological activity against *Spodoptera frugiperda*

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58594/rtest.v6i3.239

Keywords:

Biomaterials, insects, maize, natural polymers, pest control

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the most significant agricultural pests affecting maize crops due to its high dispersal capacity, broad ecological adaptability, and ability to cause substantial yield losses. Conventional control strategies based on synthetic insecticides have promoted the emergence of resistant populations and raised concerns regarding environmental impacts and effects on non-target organisms, prompting the search for alternative pest management approaches based on natural compounds and biologically compatible formulations. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize a lipid fraction obtained from Carica papaya seeds and evaluate its biological activity against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae, as well as to explore its incorporation into three-dimensional chitosan matrices as a potential material platform for agricultural applications. The lipid fraction was analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR) and homonuclear correlation techniques, revealing signals consistent with long aliphatic chains, the presence of unsaturation, and chemical environments compatible with esterified lipid structures. In parallel, three-dimensional chitosan constructs were produced through physical gelation induced by ammonia diffusion followed by freeze-drying, and were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to assess structural modifications associated with lipid incorporation. Bioassays were conducted using first- and second-instar larvae reared on artificial diet under controlled laboratory conditions, and mortality as well as developmental abnormalities were recorded. The evaluated treatments produced adverse effects on larval and pupal development, including mortality levels equal to or greater than 50 % at reference concentrations and morphological deformities in immature stages. Overall, the results demonstrate the biological activity of lipid-derived compounds from C. papaya and support the feasibility of integrating them into chitosan matrices as a material platform for the development of alternative bioinsecticidal strategies aimed at the management of S. frugiperda.

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Published

2026-09-01

How to Cite

Olea-Casillas, D., & Reyna-Urrutia, V. (2026). Three-dimensional chitosan matrices containing lipid fractions from *Carica papaya* and their biological activity against *Spodoptera frugiperda*. Revista Transdiciplinaria De Estudios Sociales Y Tecnológicos, 6(3), 135–144. https://doi.org/10.58594/rtest.v6i3.239

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): Ciencia y sociedad ante los desafíos humanos, tecnológicos y ambientales del presente (Septiembre-diciembre)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Olea-Casillas, Victor Reyna-Urrutia

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