Sex Pheromone Receptor-Derived Peptide Biosensor for Efficient Monitoring of the Cotton Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera

Abstract

The cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (H. armigera), causes damage to a wide range of cultivated crops and is one of the pests with the greatest economic importance for global agriculture. Currently, the detection of H. armigera is based on manual sampling. A low limit of detection (LOD), convenient, and real-time monitoring method is urgently needed for its early warning and efficient management. Here, we characterized the amino acid sequence in the sex pheromone receptors (SPRs) recognizing the pheromone components of H. armigera by threedimensional (3D) modeling and molecular docking. Next, sex pheromone receptor-derived peptides (SPRPs) were synthesized and conjugated to nanotubes by chemical connection. The modified nanotubes were used to fabricate a sensor capable of real-time monitoring of gaseous sex pheromone compounds with a low LOD (∼10 ppb for Z11-16:Ald) and selectivity, and the sensor was able to detect a single live H. armigera. Furthermore, the developed biosensor allowed direct monitoring of the pheromone release dynamics by female H. armigera and showed that the release was instantly reduced in response to light. Here, we report the first demonstration of a biosensing method for detecting gaseous sex pheromones and live H. armigera. The findings show the great potential of the SPRP sensor for broad applications in insect biology study and infestation monitoring.

Review of Predator Emitted Volatile Organic Compounds and Their Potential for Predator Detection in New Zealand Forests

“…The volatile biomarkers present in the air within the vicinity of the target predators in forested areas offer a promising option for remote and real-time predator detection. For example, in a recent investigation conducted by Wang and co-workers, a receptor-derived peptide biosensor with the capability for real-time monitoring was developed, which effectively utilizes gaseous sex pheromone compounds to detect the presence of the cotton bollworm [123]. Ma and co-workers fabricated a biosensor derived from odorant receptors.…”

Investigating on sensing mechanism of MoS2-FET biosensors in response to proteins

“…Conventional biosensing techniques include enzyme labeling, radioisotope, immunofluorescence, mass spectrometry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and electrochemical methods [3][4][5][6]. On the other hand, biosensors have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional chemical and biological detection methods for their advantages such as high sensitivity, strong specificity and short detection time [7][8][9][10]. Among these biomolecules, proteins are the most fundamental functional molecules in biological systems and have broad biological and medical significance.…”

Handheld Crop Pest Sensor Using Binary Catalyst-Loaded Nano-SnO2 Particles for Oxidative Signal Amplification

“…The growing global population necessitates advanced sensors, as farming is going to depend on IoT (Internet of Things) to increase food production quality in a sustainable way. − In animal science, breath sensors for periodontal high blood cholesterol levels, kidney diseases, stomach infections, methanol poisoning, and diabetes by quantification using thiol, amine, methanol, acetone, etc. are expected to change the paradigm of health monitoring. − Similarly, a volatile sensor for plant disease detection using SERS signals has been demonstrated .…”