Insecticides inspired by arachnid venoms

Overview

Arakion is at the forefront of developing next-generation bioinsecticides by leveraging peptides inspired by arachnid venom. These small, disulfide-stabilized peptides are designed to engage insect ion-channel targets with high selectivity, offering potential for species-specific action and biodegradability. This approach represents a novel alternative to traditional insecticides and Bt traits, tapping into under-explored sites of action within ion channels.

Technical specifications

• Peptide Design: Small, disulfide-stabilized peptides inspired by arachnid venom.
• AI-Driven Selection: Utilizes artificial intelligence to propose toxin–channel pairs and suggest peptide variants optimized for potency and species bias.
• Expression Systems: Peptides expressed via cell-free and microbial systems, yielding initial material for assays.
• Application Potential: Formulated for foliar, seed-treatment, or soil applications, with feasibility assessment for in-plant expression.
• Target Species: Initial focus on lepidopteran and hemipteran panels, with future expansion to coleopterans and plant-parasitic nematodes.

Technology readiness level

Currently at TRL 3, Arakion has identified promising peptide candidates and achieved millilitre-scale expression suitable for initial bioassays. Future validation plans include expanded expression, electrophysiology studies, and greenhouse trials to refine and prepare the technology for larger-scale deployment.