Scorpion Venom κ-KTx Peptides for Selective Insect Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knowledge of scorpion venom peptides is limited, with only around 1% of the total types identified, and there is a need for novel peptides with insecticidal activity.

Innovation Solution

Identification and modification of κ-KTx peptides from L. australasiae scorpion venom, specifically altering amino acid sequences at positions 6, 10, and 11 to enhance insecticidal activity, and formulation into various agrochemical compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If scorpion venom is used as a source of bioactive peptides, then diverse peptide components are available, but the toxicity to mammals is a concern

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediversity of peptide componentsVSAvoidtoxicity to mammals

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates specific insecticidal peptides (LaIT1, LaIT2, and κ-KTx peptides) from scorpion venom, separating the beneficial insecticidal components from the harmful mammalian-toxic components. This selective extraction allows utilization of scorpion venom's diverse peptide library while eliminating toxicity concerns for mammalian safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent identifies and develops peptides with localized specificity - κ-KTx peptides that selectively target insect potassium channels while sparing mammalian channels. This local quality differentiation enables the peptide to exhibit insecticidal activity without mammalian toxicity, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If amino acid sequence is modified to enhance insecticidal activity, then pest control effectiveness improves, but peptide stability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsecticidal activityVSAvoidpeptide stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically modifies amino acid parameters at specific positions (particularly positions 6, 10, and 11) to optimize insecticidal activity. These controlled parameter changes enhance pest control effectiveness while maintaining the disulfide bond cross-linking pattern and overall structural stability of the peptide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite peptide structures combining conserved stabilizing elements (disulfide bonds, α-helical regions) with variable active regions that provide enhanced insecticidal activity. This composite approach maintains structural stability while improving functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The modified peptides exhibit high insecticidal activity with selectivity for insects, being non-toxic to mammals, and are useful in controlling common insect pests.

Implementation Method 1

κ-KTx peptides are peptides that act on potassium ion channels... The modified peptides exhibit high insecticidal activity with selectivity for insects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon channel blocking:

Data Source

PatentEP4700043A1Insecticidal peptide derived from scorpion venom

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 NIPPON SODA CO LTD

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AI summary

Provided are: a peptide having insecticidal activity and containing an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 5, or SEQ ID NO: 7, or an amino acid sequence containing one to several amino acid mutations in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 5, or SEQ ID NO: 7; an insecticidal composition containing the peptide; and a pest control method using the peptide.