Evaluating the nematicidal effect of fatty acid Nano-emulsions on Caenorhabditis elegans

Parasitic nematodes are a major biotic stress on animals, humans, and crop plants, causing enormous economic damage. However, the limited availability of safe and effective chemical nematicides and drug molecules presents a major challenge for their control, compounded by environmental persistence and resistance issues. Natural fatty acids offer an eco-friendly alternative with inherent nematicidal properties, yet poor solubility and delivery often restrict their efficacy. To address these gaps, we investigated nano-emulsion formulations of five natural fatty acids - anthranilic acid (C7), myristic acid (C14), palmitic acid (C16), linoleic acid (C18), and stearic acid (C18)-to enhance their nematicidal potential. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, qualitative and quantitative toxicity assays were conducted to assess nematicidal activity. Our results demonstrate extremely high toxicity, with LC₅₀ values ranging from 0.03 to 0.32 ppm across various formulations, indicating significant toxicity as compared to reported conventional fatty acid formulations. Our findings also highlight the potential of nano-formulated natural products for developing safe, effective nematicides that align with integrated pest management and sustainability goals.