Pyrokinin Neuropeptide Insecticides With Pollinator Selectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for greener, target-specific insecticides that minimize harm to pollinators while effectively controlling pests such as hemipteran, dipteran, lepidopteran, blattodean, and coleopteran insects is not adequately met by existing technologies, particularly due to regulatory challenges with synthetic analogues.
Innovation Solution
Development of natural pyrokinin neuropeptides and their natural-like variants that exhibit insecticidal activity against target insects while having minimal effect on pollinators, formulated as insecticidal compounds and compositions for agricultural use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic analogues of insect neuropeptides are used to achieve target-specific insecticidal activity, then insect control effectiveness is improved, but regulatory approval becomes more difficult and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of peptide origin from synthetic to natural. By isolating and purifying pyrokinin neuropeptides from natural sources (insect brains or glands), the invention maintains high insecticidal effectiveness while eliminating the regulatory and manufacturing complexities associated with synthetic analogues. This parameter change transforms the product from a chemically synthesized compound to a naturally derived bioactive substance.
2Productivity
If broad-spectrum insecticides are used to control pest insects, then insect mortality is increased, but harm to pollinators and non-target species increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an insecticide with highly specific activity against certain insect orders while being harmless to others. The pyrokinin neuropeptides exhibit selective toxicity based on the presence of specific neuropeptide receptors in different insect species. This allows high insect mortality for target pests (such as Lepidoptera and Diptera) while pollinators (such as bees) remain unaffected due to their different receptor profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention copies the natural insect neuropeptide structure and function to create a biologically based insecticide. By isolating pyrokinin peptides that naturally occur in insects and using them as insecticides, the patent creates a substance that mimics natural signaling molecules. This copying approach enables selective action on insects that possess the corresponding receptors while sparing other species, particularly pollinators.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to natural or natural-like analogues of insect pyrokinin neuropeptide [Hy]-NADEDQQQSVDFTPRL-[NH2] (SEQ ID NO:2) 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.