Double-stranded RNA-based nanoparticles for insect gene silencing
AssigneeKansas State University Research Foundation
InventorsKun Yan Zhu, Xin Zhang, Jianzhen Zhang
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Abstract
Nanoparticles for insect RNAi via oral delivery are provided, along with methods of silencing a target gene in a target insect using RNAi are provided. The nanoparticles comprise a polymer matrix and insect dsRNA. The dsRNA comprises at least one sequence having a region of complementarity substantially complementary to at least a portion of an mRNA transcript of the target gene. Insect baits comprising the nanoparticles are also provided. Methods of screening target gene functions are also provided using the methods disclosed herein.
Claims15
A nanoparticle useful for RNAi of a target insect gene, said nanoparticle having a structure comprising:
- a biopolymer matrix;
- and
- an insect dsRNA that is from about 200 to about 1,000 base pairs in length, wherein said insect dsRNA is entrapped in said biopolymer matrix to thereby form said nanoparticle structure,
- wherein said nanoparticle is prepared by mixing said biopolymer and said dsRNA, wherein said biopolymer and dsRNA self-assemble into said nanoparticle.
An insect bait useful for oral administration of dsRNA for RNAi in insects, said bait comprising a nanoparticle and an edible insect attractant dispersed or dissolved in a carrier, said nanoparticle having a structure comprising a biopolymer matrix and insect dsRNA that is from about 200 to about 1,000 base pairs in length, wherein said insect dsRNA is entrapped in said biopolymer matrix to thereby form said nanoparticle structure, and wherein said nanoparticle is prepared by mixing said biopolymer and said dsRNA, wherein said biopolymer and dsRNA self-assemble into said nanoparticle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.