Preparation and performance characteristics of spider venom peptide nanocapsules

Abstract

Background: ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b is an insecticidal toxin produced by the Tasmanian funnel-web spider (Hadronyche venenata), that can be exploited for development of novel bioinsecticides. Due to its larger size and low membrane permeability, this toxin usually has a slower mode of action compared to conventional small molecule insecticides. Nanoscale materials have unique optical, electrical, mechanical and biological properties, and show great application prospects for pesticide delivery.Results: The physical and chemical properties of nanocapsules were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle testing and with a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the nanocapsules were spherical, with an average particle size of 197.70 nm, the encapsulation efficiency rate was 75.82% and the Zeta potential was −32.90 mV. Penetration experiments showed that the nanocapsules could promote protein passage through the intestinal tract of Spodoptera litura and reach the body fluid. Then we expressed ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b by prokaryotic expression. Bioassay results showed that the oral toxicity of ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b nanocapsules to S. litura was higher than that of the ω-hexatoxin-Hvn1b. Conclusion:In this paper, we reported a construction method of spider venom peptide nanocapsules based on polylactic-coglycolic acid by multiple emulsion for delivery of protein to improve the insecticidal effect and oral activity of ω-hexatoxin-Hv1a.

Plant and insect virus‐like particles: emerging nanoparticles for agricultural pest management

“…[5][6][7][8] These limitations could be overcome by the use nanomaterials, which can improve the transport of dsRNA and peptides across the gut epithelium and into the hemolymph. [9][10][11] Virus-like particles (VLPs) represent a novel nanomaterial that form by self-assembly of viral coat proteins. Because of the high diversity of the virome, there is considerable flexibility for developing functional VLPs for different applications, such as vaccines for humans and animals, as well as delivery vehicles for various cargo (e.g., nucleic acids and drugs).…”

“…Since the last decade, double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) and natural insecticidal peptides have been viewed as alternative pesticidal ingredients, but their application in the field has been hampered by their fast degradation and low tissue entry during feeding 5–8 . These limitations could be overcome by the use nanomaterials, which can improve the transport of dsRNA and peptides across the gut epithelium and into the hemolymph 9–11 …”