Isoquinoline derivatives for ossweet11 inhibition and sheath blight disease resistance in rice
Green synthesis of isoquinoline derivatives that bind to the sugar transporter OsSWEET11, inhibiting it in mesophyll cells to improve rice resistance against sheath blight disease. Offers high atom economy, biodegradable solvents, reusable catalysis, and serves as a scaffold for chiral ligands with agrochemical potential.
Overview
Isoquinoline is a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound whose derivatives can bind to the sugar transporter OsSWEET11 in rice. Inhibiting OsSWEET11 in mesophyll cells has been shown to improve resistance against sheath blight disease, a major fungal threat to rice cultivation. This research proposes green synthesis protocols to produce these derivatives, emphasizing environmental sustainability alongside agrochemical efficacy. Beyond crop protection, the isoquinoline scaffold also serves as a platform for chiral ligands, broadening its utility in fine chemicals and pharmaceutical applications.
Technical specifications
- Green synthesis approach: Derivatives are prepared using protocols designed for high atom economy, minimizing waste and maximizing incorporation of starting materials into the final product.
- Biodegradable solvent system: Reactions employ environmentally benign, biodegradable solvents to reduce ecological impact.
- Reusable catalytic system: The catalytic framework can be recovered and reused across multiple reaction cycles, supporting sustainable process economics and high yields.
- Chiral ligand scaffold: The isoquinoline core functions as a versatile scaffold for constructing chiral ligands, relevant to asymmetric synthesis and agrochemical development.
- Mechanism of action: Compounds bind to OsSWEET11, a sugar transporter in rice mesophyll cells, and inhibit its function. This inhibition is associated with enhanced resistance to sheath blight disease.
- Synthetic basis: Readily accessible amines (ArCH2CHRNH2) and alkanolamines (ArCHOHCHRNH2) are converted to N-acyl derivatives, which serve as precursors for isoquinolines of agrochemical interest.
Technology readiness level
The research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Green synthesis protocols have been established for producing isoquinoline derivatives, and the mechanistic link between OsSWEET11 inhibition and sheath blight resistance has been identified as a basis for further investigation. The proposal outlines future validation procedures to confirm disease resistance outcomes in planta and to optimize yield, scalability, and catalytic recyclability. Additional validation is needed to advance from laboratory-scale synthesis toward field-ready agrochemical formulations.
About R.V. College of Engineering
RV College of Engineering (RVCE) is an autonomous, self‑financing engineering institution in Bengaluru, affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University and accredited NAAC A+. It connects to industry through an active Industry Institute Interaction Cell, 150+ MoUs, and co‑located, industry‑sponsored labs and Centers of Excellence that enable joint training, prototyping, and upskilling on campus. Proximity to Bengaluru’s technology cluster supports internships, capstone co‑supervision, and consultancy engagements throughout the year. Research here is supported by competitive national programs and industry, including DRDO/NRB, AICTE, and ISRO collaborations. An IP Coordination Cell, together with incubation resources and a student‑run Entrepreneurship Development Cell, assists with patenting, licensing, and venture formation.
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