Inactivating hemocyanin from Oncomelania hupensis with 4-(chloroacetyl)catechol and its application in snail control

The hemocyanin of Oncomelania hupensis (OhH) is essential for the survival of O. hupensis and may be an effective target for the development of new molluscicide. 4-(Chloroacetyl)catechol is a substrate analogue of OhH. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of 4-(chloroacetyl)catechol to O. hupensis and Kunming mice. 4-(Chloroacetyl)catechol had strong molluscicidal activities and the molluscicidal activities was time and dose-dependent. With the increase of exposure time, the LC50 values of the 4-(chloroacetyl)catechol decreased from 6.5 mg/L (24 h) to 3.1 mg/L (72 h). The LC90 values decreased from 16.4 mg/L (24 h) to 4.9 mg/L (72 h). In the acute toxicity test of mice, no evident poisoning symptoms and no animal death were detected after 14 days’ continuous observation, which indicated that 4-(chloroacetyl)catechol was a low toxic substance for Kunming mice. These results indicated that 4-(chloroacetyl)catechol is potent molluscicides.

4-(Chloroacetyl)catechol can inactivate oxygen-binding active site of hemocyanin from Oncomelania hupensis. 4-(Chloroacetyl)catechol had strong molluscicidal activities and the molluscicidal activities were time and dose-dependent.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Hemocyanin was isolated and purified from Oncomelania hupensis.
► 4-(Chloroacetyl)catechol can inactivate oxygen-binding active site of hemocyanin from Oncomelania hupensis.
► 4-(Chloroacetyl)catechol had strong molluscicidal activities and the molluscicidal activities were time and dose-dependent.