Double-stranded RNA-based nanoparticles for insect gene silencing

摘要

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.

主权项

1. 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.