ISLP Pesticidal Proteins for Broad-Spectrum Insect Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bacterial biopesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, are limited in their effectiveness against a wide range of insect pests, with only a few toxins being widely used, and there is a need for more specific and environmentally friendly solutions for insect control in agriculture.

Innovation Solution

Development of recombinant DNA sequences encoding pesticidal proteins, specifically ISLP proteins, which are specifically insecticidal to certain pests and have at least 50-75% sequence identity with bacterial S-layer proteins, allowing for their expression in plants to protect against insect damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Bt Cry proteins are used for insect control, then insecticidal activity is achieved, but the range of effective pests is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of effective pestsVSAvoidinsecticidal activity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops ISLP proteins that can control multiple orders of insects (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera) simultaneously, making a single protein effective against diverse pest types that previously required different Bt toxins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the molecular weight and structural parameters of S-layer proteins to create ISLP variants with optimized insecticidal properties, including fragments of 50-120 kDa that maintain activity against multiple pest groups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pesticides are used for insect control, then broad spectrum activity is achieved, but environmental harm and toxicity to non-target organisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroad spectrum activityVSAvoidtoxicity to non-target organisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the naturally occurring S-layer protein structure into a beneficial pesticidal agent that specifically targets insects while being harmless to mammals, humans, and the environment, thus converting a neutral bacterial structure into an eco-friendly control agent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The ISLP proteins are completely biodegradable and break down rapidly in the environment without accumulating residual toxic products, providing temporary but effective protection without long-term environmental contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If only a few Bt toxins are used widely, then production simplicity is maintained, but pesticidal effectiveness against diverse pests is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidpesticidal effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ISLP protein serves as a universal pesticidal agent effective against multiple insect orders, replacing the need to produce and apply multiple different Bt toxins for different pest types, thus maintaining production simplicity while enhancing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8822157B2Bacterial proteins with pesticidal activity

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 UNIV NAT AUTONOMA DE MEXICO

AI summary

Provided are pesticidal, particularly insecticidal, proteins which resemble S-layer proteins, as well as variants or mutants thereof, and DNAs encoding them. Further provided are methods and means for using said DNA or protein for controlling pests, particularly plant insect pests.