BVP8 Protein Miticide for Tetranychid Mite Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling tetranychid mites, particularly chemical miticides, have led to resistance issues and significant economic losses due to the lack of effective, environmentally friendly proteinaceous agents.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a BVP8 protein, encoded by SEQ ID NO: 2, is developed for controlling tetranychid mites by spraying a biocide containing this protein, which is prepared through prokaryotic expression and shown to have high efficiency and low toxicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical miticides are used to control tetranychid mites, then mite population is reduced, but mite resistance increases and economic losses worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemite control effectivenessVSAvoidmite resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter from conventional miticides to a novel Bacillus thuringiensis protein (BVP8), altering the mode of action to overcome resistance. The protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) represents a parameter change in the active ingredient's molecular structure, providing a new mechanism that bypasses existing resistance pathways in tetranychid mites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite approach by combining the BVP8 protein with specific formulation components (adjuvants, carriers, and other compatible substances) to create an enhanced biocidal composition. This composite formulation improves delivery and efficacy while maintaining environmental safety, addressing both control effectiveness and resistance concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If proteinaceous agents are developed as alternatives, then environmental friendliness improves, but water solubility and field applicability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoxicity and environmental impactVSAvoidwater solubility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical-chemical parameters of the protein by adjusting its molecular weight, charge, and hydrophobicity through genetic engineering of the Bacillus thuringiensis strain. These parameter changes enhance water solubility while preserving the protein's biological activity, making it suitable for agricultural spray applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces intermediary substances such as surfactants, solvents, and stabilizers in the formulation to mediate between the protein's natural hydrophobic properties and the required water solubility for field application. These intermediaries facilitate proper dissolution and distribution without compromising the protein's miticidal function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4115737B1Method for controlling tetranychid mites with BVP8 protein
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 HUBEI BIOPESTICIDE ENG RES CENT
  • EP4115737B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2F

AI summary

A BVP8 protein for killing tetranychid mites and use thereof are provided. The protein is as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 2. The BVP8 protein has a median lethal concentration of 12.98 µg/mL against Tetranychus urticae, 33.45 µg/mL against Panonychus citri, and 26.32 µg/mL against Tetranychus cinnabarinus, and shows an inhibitory effect against the hatching and cleavage of Tetranychus urticae eggs, with the egg cleavage rate of 75.86% after 72 h. The protein provides a new option for the preparation of a novel miticide.