Fusion protein based biopesticides for sustainable crop production

This project aims to develop novel bio insecticides from fusion proteins that deliver insecticidal toxins and across the target insect gut. The results of the project will be the creation of targeted fusion protein insecticides; this requires the development of processes for their economic production, acceleration of expression rate, and optimisation of associated fermenting and freeze drying. The detailed objectives are: (i) production of a "first candidate" fusion protein (ii) increase in expression and fermentation (iii) investigation of downstream processing and freeze drying (iv) delivery formulation for maximum efficacy and shelf stability (v) conduct all glasshouse/field trials to establish efficacy under end user conditions providing data for submission for registration, including effects on non target organisms (vi) application of these processes to streamline the development of follow up candidate fusion proteins