Caltech Chemists Synthesize Natural Insecticide

Chemistry Professor Sarah Reisman and her students at Caltech have done what no other scientists have ever achieved. Synthesizing a naturally occurring insecticide.

The newly synthesized insecticide known as Perseonal. And it is thought to mirror a widely used insecticide Ryanodine. Science Daily says the insecticide Ryanodine, was first discovered by scientists who found it in a tropical plant in the 1940s. Ryanodine paralyzes insects making them unable to breed or damage plants.

A video produced by Matt Davenport at Chemical and Engineering News helps describe the process that led to this first of its kind naturally occurring insecticide. Davenport says the naturally Perseonal, could target insects much like Ryanodine does

“There is some chemically and perhaps biologically interesting differences between Perseonal and Ryanodine. Some studies suggest Perseonal and perhaps related molecules could target insects without also targeting mammals.”

Professor Reisman, at Caltech, along with two students synthesized the molecules in a way that looks like a jigsaw puzzle. Figuring out the best pieces to use to put it together.

And if the new insecticide can target insects without targeting mammals including humans the commercial and environmental advantages could be huge.

The researcher’s work may lead to an effective and safe way to control pests that put California crops at risk.