Silver Nanoparticles from Duddingtonia flagrans: Evaluation of Potential Ovicidal Activity on Toxocara canis Eggs

The filtrate of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans produces silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with nematicidal potential. However, there are currently no reports of its activity against Toxocara canis eggs. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential ovicidal activity of AgNPs–D. flagrans on T. canis eggs. T. canis eggs were obtained from the dissection of the uterus of adult female nematodes. After the biosynthesis of AgNPs, two experimental assays (A and B) were performed. In assay A, the ovicidal activity of AgNPs on eggs was evaluated after 15 and 30 days of interaction. In assay B, the inhibition (development) of the eggs was measured after 30 days of interaction. The results of assay A showed that the AgNPs destroyed an average of 47% of the eggs tested by the end of the experiment, causing significant structural damage. In assay B, an inhibition rate of 88% was observed at the end of 30 days. The results of the ovicidal activity of AgNP–D. flagrans were promising and indicate the potential for future studies on these biomolecules with ovicidal properties.