Pyrokinin and AKH Neuropeptides for Target-Specific 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, particularly in the context of insect neuropeptides and their synthetic analogues, which face regulatory challenges.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel natural pyrokinin and AKH neuropeptides, and their natural-like analogues, along with combinations thereof, exhibiting insecticidal activity against specific insect pests like hemipteran, dipteran, lepidopteran, and coleopteran insects, while being benign to pollinators such as bees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If broad-spectrum insecticides are used to control insect pests, then insect mortality increases, but harm to non-target species and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing neuropeptide insecticides with high specificity to target insect species through species-specific receptor binding. The pyrokinin and AKH peptides are engineered to interact with particular GPCRs in pest insects (such as aphids, moths, and fruit flies) while minimizing cross-reactivity with non-target species like bees and pollinators, thereby achieving localized toxic effect only where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the amino acid sequences of natural pyrokinin and AKH peptides to optimize their insecticidal activity and selectivity. Through systematic variation of peptide structures (including N-terminal modifications, amino acid substitutions, and C-terminal variations), the invention achieves enhanced binding affinity to target insect receptors while reducing off-target effects, transforming the generalistic broad-spectrum approach into a precision-targeted solution
2Manufacturing precision
If modified synthetic analogues of insect neuropeptides are developed for targeted insecticide use, then target-specificity improves, but regulatory challenges and market accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating synthetic analogues that replicate the structure and function of naturally occurring insect neuropeptides (pyrokinins and AKH peptides). These synthetic copies mimic the amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures of native peptides, enabling them to bind to the same GPCR receptors in target insects. By copying natural structures rather than creating entirely novel compounds, the invention facilitates regulatory acceptance while maintaining high target-specificity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates universality by developing a platform technology that uses a common design approach (modified pyrokinin and AKH peptide structures) applicable across multiple insect pest species. The same general peptide framework and modification strategies can be adapted to target different insect orders (hemipterans, dipterans, lepidopterans, blattodeans, and coleopterans), providing a universal solution that simplifies regulatory evaluation compared to entirely new chemical classes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to natural or natural-like analogues of insect pyrokinin neuropeptides and AKH neuropeptides, and combinations thereof, having activity against insects, for example hemipteran, dipteran, lepidopteran, blattodean 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.