Bioactive dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenes and quinone-methide triterpenes from Celastraceae as natural biopesticides
Specialized isolation and structural elucidation of polyoxygenated tricyclic sesquiterpenes (dihydro-β-agarofurans) and phenolic/quinone-methide triterpenes from Gymnosporia cassinoides, with demonstrated insecticidal and fungicidal potential as biobased pesticide candidates.
Overview
This research focuses on the isolation and chemical elucidation of bioactive natural products from Gymnosporia cassinoides (L'Hér.) Masf., a member of the Celastraceae family. The work centers on two complementary compound classes: polyoxygenated tricyclic sesquiterpenes built on the dihydro-β-agarofuran core (a C15 skeleton, 5,11-epoxy-5β,10R-eudesm-4(14)-ene) and phenolic/quinone-methide triterpenes, which serve as chemotaxonomic markers for Celastraceae species. These compound families are recognized in the literature for their insecticidal and fungicidal activities, positioning them as promising candidates for development as natural biopesticides in agriculture and crop protection.
Technical specifications
- Core chemistry: Polyoxygenated dihydro-β-agarofuran sesquiterpenes featuring the characteristic 5,11-epoxy-5β,10R-eudesm-4(14)-ene skeleton
- Secondary metabolites: Phenolic and quinone-methide triterpenes, particularly from root tissue
- Source organism: Gymnosporia cassinoides (L'Hér.) Masf., a Celastraceae species with established chemotaxonomic relevance
- Analytical methods: Structural elucidation performed through spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques to confirm molecular frameworks
- Bioactivity profile: Sesquiterpene dihydro-β-agarofurans exhibit insecticidal and fungicidal activity; quinone-methide triterpenes from roots show fungicidal properties
- Applications: Natural-product-based biopesticide development for integrated pest and disease management
Technology readiness level
The project is at an early-to-mid research stage. Compounds have been successfully isolated from Gymnosporia cassinoides and their structures elucidated using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. Bioactivity evidence cited in the hypothesis basis is drawn from prior literature on related Celastraceae metabolites. Future validation will require expanded biological testing (insecticidal and fungicidal assays), dose-response studies, formulation work, and field or greenhouse trials to advance the candidates toward commercial biopesticide development.
About Universidad de La Laguna
Universidad de La Laguna is a comprehensive public research university serving the Canary Islands from a multi‑campus base in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Its integration with major university hospitals in Tenerife supports clinical research and translation, while SEGAI offers fee‑for‑service access to advanced instrumentation for internal teams and external companies. A dedicated Knowledge Transfer Office manages IP, R&D contracts and spin‑offs, and the General Foundation acts as an interface for company engagement; collaboration with the Tenerife Science and Technology Park expands incubation and test‑bed options on and near campus. Researchers secure competitive European and Spanish national funding, including Horizon Europe and Interreg, as well as health research programs. Robust commercialization support streamlines licensing and startup formation.
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