Av3 Mutant Polypeptide–Btk Toxin Compositions for Broad Pest Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Insects pose significant threats to human health and food security by acting as disease vectors and causing damage to crops, with existing pest control methods being inadequate in efficacy and scope.
Innovation Solution
A combination of Av3 mutant polypeptides and Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk) toxins is used to combat pests, with the Av3 mutant polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95-100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1, and formulations including excipients for application in agricultural settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing pest control methods are used, then some level of pest control is achieved, but efficacy and scope are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different insecticidal mechanisms into a single composition: Av3 mutant polypeptides (amonaceous peptides from alkaloid biosynthesis pathways) and Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki (Btk) toxins. This merging allows the composition to target multiple pest species and life stages simultaneously, thereby improving both efficacy and scope of pest control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite insecticidal material by formulating Av3 mutant polypeptides with Btk toxins and excipients. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of different insecticidal agents, providing broader spectrum activity and enhanced reliability compared to single-agent formulations.
2Reliability
If Av3 mutant polypeptide and Btk toxin combination is used, then pest control efficacy is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal formulation system that can accommodate both Av3 mutant polypeptides and Btk toxins along with standard excipients in a single composition. This multi-functional formulation approach simplifies application while maintaining the synergistic benefits of the combination, reducing practical complexity despite the sophisticated biological mechanisms involved.
Data Source
AI summary
New insecticidal peptides, polypeptides, proteins, and nucleotides; their expression in culture and plants; methods of producing the peptides, polypeptides, proteins, and nucleotides; new processes; new production techniques; new formulations; and new organisms, are disclosed. The present disclosure is also related to mutants named Av3 mutant polypeptides (AMPs) that are a non-naturally occurring, modified-form of the peptide, Av3, isolated from the sea anemone, Anemonia viridis. Here we describe: polynucleotides encoding AMPs; various formulations and combinations of both polynucleotides and peptides; and methods for using the same that are useful for the control of insects.