Peptide-based insecticides targeting insect gpcrs for next-generation crop protection
RevivBio is developing peptide-based insecticides that selectively modulate insect G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to deliver potent, selective, and environmentally friendly pest control. Using a microfluidic ultrahigh-throughput screening platform combined with machine learning, the company can test over 10^12 peptide variants per day to identify and optimize lead peptide candidates that target critical physiological processes in pests while sparing non-target organisms.
Overview
RevivBio is developing a new class of peptide-based insecticides designed to selectively modulate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in target insect pests. GPCRs regulate diverse and critical physiological processes in insects, making them ideal targets for next-generation pest control. Unlike broad-spectrum chemical insecticides, peptide ligands can be engineered for high selectivity and specificity, reducing side effects and minimizing impact on non-target organisms including beneficial insects and mammals. Peptides are also programmable, tunable, and inexpensive to manufacture, offering a sustainable and cost-effective approach to crop protection.
Technical specifications
Platform capabilities:
- Ultrahigh-throughput (uHTP) microfluidic experimentation platform capable of building and testing more than 10^12 protein or peptide variants per day
- Cell-free peptide synthesis encapsulated in picoliter-size droplets for massively parallel functional screening
- Streamlined design-build-test-learn cycles enabling rapid optimization of lead candidates
- Machine learning models trained on experimental data to optimize peptides for efficacy, selectivity, and safety
- Functional assays using engineered cell lines expressing target and non-target GPCRs coupled to fluorescent reporters to identify selective GPCR-modulating peptides
- High-throughput safety assays against mammalian and other non-target cells to confirm specificity
- Integration of generative AI, molecular dynamics, and sequence-space exploration for peptide design
Key advantages:
- Selectivity reduces off-target effects and environmental impact compared to conventional insecticides
- Peptides can be manufactured inexpensively and incorporated directly into crop applications
- Cocktail formulations allow targeting of multiple GPCR pathways for enhanced pest control
Technology readiness level
The underlying microfluidic ultrahigh-throughput screening platform has been validated through demonstrated rapid optimization of antibodies and enzymes, including overcoming challenges associated with cell-based assays. The current proposal focuses on developing a functional screening assay specifically for GPCR-modulating peptides, which is not currently possible with existing technologies. Future work will engineer reporter cell lines, validate selective peptide hits against target and non-target GPCRs, and apply machine learning to optimize lead candidates for efficacy, selectivity, and safety. The platform is positioned at an early-to-mid development stage for this specific application, with strong foundational validation from prior antibody and enzyme discovery programs.
About RevivBio
RevivBio is a biotechnology company that creates next-generation biologics and enzymes by integrating a high-throughput microfluidic experimental platform with advanced AI and machine learning models. The company uses generative AI, quantum mechanics, and molecular dynamics to explore sequence space for protein design, allowing for the hyper-speed development of functional biologics and performant enzymes across markets including human health, crop protection, and animal health. Its technology platform enables the rapid screening of large gene libraries to identify variants with enhanced catalytic activity, stability, and substrate specificity.
The company is currently focused on developing enzymatic bioremediation solutions to address environmental contamination, specifically targeting the degradation of PFAS. Backed by the National Science Foundation, this work aims to provide a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to current energy-intensive remediation methods. RevivBio has participated in programs such as Intel Ignite and NYU’s Endless Frontier Labs, and it actively seeks strategic partnerships to apply its bio-inspired design capabilities to diverse industrial and environmental challenges.
delivered to your inbox.