New tool for spreading proteins to the environment: Cry1Ab toxin immobilized to bioplastics

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2006 Aug;72(1):88-93. doi: 10.1007/s00253-005-0257-6. Epub 2005 Dec 7.

Abstract

A new tool to provide an environmentally friendly way to deliver active proteins to the environment has been developed, based on the use of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA, bioplastic) granules. To illustrate this novel approach, a derived Cry1Ab insect-specific toxin protein was in vivo immobilized into PHA granules through the polypeptide tag BioF. The new toxin, named Fk-Bt1, was shown to be active against Sesamia nonagrioides (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The dose-mortality responses of the new toxin granule formulation (PFk-Bt1) and purified Cry1Ab have been compared, demonstrating the effectiveness of PFk-Bt1 and suggesting a common mode of action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Bacterial Toxins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Toxins / pharmacology*
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / chemistry
  • Endotoxins / chemistry
  • Endotoxins / pharmacology*
  • Hemolysin Proteins / chemistry
  • Hemolysin Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Insecticides / chemistry
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Lepidoptera / drug effects
  • Pest Control, Biological / methods*
  • Polymers*
  • Protein Binding
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Endotoxins
  • Hemolysin Proteins
  • Insecticides
  • Polymers
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • insecticidal crystal protein, Bacillus Thuringiensis