Articles

Nonapeptides have gained attention as environmentally sustainable scaffold systems for insecticide development due to their inherent receptor selectivity and their suitability for structural modification to overcome the instability associated with natural neuropeptides. This review discusses recent progress in designing metabolically stable nonapeptide analogs through strategies such as backbone cyclization, incorporation of peptidomimetic side chains, and the development of antagonist scaffolds to improve binding affinity, target selectivity, and biological persistence. Advances in delivery systems (including plant-based and recombinant expression platforms, nanoencapsulation techniques, and amphiphilic formulations) are also examined as potential solutions to key challenges such as cuticle penetration, degradation in the hemolymph, and limited field stability. Within the framework of integrated pest management, nonapeptide-based approaches offer significant ecological and resistance-management advantages compared with conventional chemical insecticides. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, including optimizing the balance between biological potency and environmental safety, minimizing off-target interactions, and achieving scalable production for agricultural deployment. Future research should prioritize receptor-guided molecular design, detailed structure–activity relationship analysis, and improved formulation strategies to translate molecular insights into practical and environmentally responsible pest control tools.