Insect Neuropeptides Targeted Pest Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for greener, target-specific insecticides that minimize harm to non-target species and reduce environmental impact is not adequately addressed by existing broad-spectrum insecticides, and modified synthetic analogues face regulatory challenges.
Innovation Solution
Development of natural adipokinetic hormone (AKH) peptides and their natural-like variants with insecticidal activity against specific insect pests, such as hemipteran, dipteran, lepidopteran, and coleopteran insects, while having minimal effect on important pollinators like bees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If broad-spectrum insecticides are used, then insect control effectiveness is improved, but harm to non-target species and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by developing insecticides with specific chemical structures (formula I) that are selectively active against particular insect groups (hemipterans, dipterans, lepidopterans, blattodeans, and coleopterans) while being less harmful to other species. The compound's molecular structure includes specific substituents (R1, R2, R3, R4, Y1, Y2) that confer target-specific activity, allowing effective pest control without broad-spectrum toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying chemical parameters of the insecticide molecules through systematic variation of substituents (R1-R4, Y1-Y2) and their configurations. This allows optimization of the balance between insecticidal activity and selectivity, achieving effective control of target pests while minimizing harm to non-target organisms through precise chemical parameter adjustment.
2Productivity
If modified synthetic analogues of insect neuropeptides are used, then target-specific insecticidal activity is improved, but regulatory compliance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the neuropeptide structure into distinct functional segments: the core peptide backbone (residues 2-10) and variable terminal groups (R1, R2, R3, R4, Y1, Y2). This segmentation allows the core structure to maintain biological activity while the terminal groups can be adjusted for regulatory compliance, enabling target-specific activity without compromising marketability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating natural-like variants that replicate the structural features of genuine insect neuropeptides (such as adipokinetic hormone) while incorporating modifications for enhanced selectivity and regulatory acceptance. The compounds mimic the natural peptide structure (formula I) to avoid regulatory issues associated with completely synthetic analogues while maintaining target-specific activity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to natural or natural-like analogues of insect adipokinetic hormone (AKH) neuropeptide [Pyr]-LTFTSSWGG-[NH2] (SEQ ID NO:2) having activity against insects, for example hemipteran, dipteran, lepidopteran and/or coleopteran insects, such as aphids, moths and fruit flies, and their use as insect control agents (e.g. insecticides) and plant protection agents.