Designing Supramolecular Pheromone Containers by Crystal Engineering for Replacing Pesticides
Abstract
Our experience with supramolecular synthons in the design of functional materials such as supramolecular gel, Metal-organic framework, and pharmaceutical cocrystal categories prompted us to broaden the concept in developing a series of supramolecular sex pheromone containers to attract and trap pests. We proposed some basic criteria for building a series of supramolecular containers based on our earlier research on the supramolecular mechanism, reaction kinetics, and the principles of pheromone container design. If the pKa value was lowered, the proton displacement from acid to amine would be smaller, resulting in a weaker cocrystal system. A higher pKa value will eliminate the lability. The salts can be made labile in presence of moisture with the pKa value difference between a pheromone and its co-former around 3.5. The Pheromone container can be placed inside a physical trap to kill the pest physically. When pheromones will be released from the trap, the brain's olfactory circuits are tricked into believing the presence of their opposite-sex inside the trap and will be captured finally. This study addresses the design principles of both -COOH and -NH2 based pheromones in order to develop a decisive solution to the pesticide replacement dilemma.
