Work

Rational design of β-ionone-based derivative with enhanced insect OBP affinity and field persistence for precision pest control

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) mediate insect olfactory processes by facilitating the transport of volatile compounds to odorant receptors. Searching and designing efficient ligands that bind strongly to these OBPs can help us better utilize chemical ecological strategies for the regulation and management of insects, especially in agricultural ecosystems. In the present study, a meta-analysis employing a random effects model revealed that β-ionone exhibits high binding affinity across diverse OBPs in different insect species, with most Ki values ranging from 0.63 to 25 μM. Based on the flexible structure of β-ionone, we designed and synthesized a novel derivative IA01 through Claisen-Schmidt condensation with p-anisaldehyde. It was found that IA01 demonstrated superior binding affinities toward two AlucOBPs from Apolygus lucorum , as evidenced by fluorescence competition assays and molecular docking analyses. Electroantennogram recordings indicated that IA01 elicited more stable and sustained olfactory responses compared to β-ionone and p-anisaldehyde, an effect maintained over a seven-day period. In addition, indoor behavioral experiments showed that IA01 exhibited a strong repellent effect against Chrysopa pallens , a predatory natural enemy. Field trials further validated the enhanced attractant efficacy of IA01, which consistently captured higher numbers of A. lucorum adults.We propose that the newly designed derivative based on β-ionone has potential application value in trapping mirid bug and protecting natural enemies. Utilizing such broad-spectrum ligands as lead skeletons to develop novel attractants or repellents targeting a wide range of pests will bring us a brand new pest control technology strategy.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2025.101018