Polymerization techniques to develop novel carriers for enhanced delivery of bioinsecticides

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This project will explore the possibility of designing well-controlled diblock copolymers using precise living radical polymerisation methods for the complexation and delivery of RNA-based biopesticides. The project will first synthesise a range of diblock copolymers, where both blocks are fully water soluble with one neutral block and a second positively charged block. The latter will provide a locus for interaction between the polymers and negatively-charged RNA molecules, which will lead to precipitation of the system and formation of complexed particles between the polymers and the added RNA. We will study multiple variables (including block length ratio, polymer molecular weight, RNA rate of addition, RNA/polymer concentration ratio...) with the aim to further the understanding of the mechanisms taking place during the complexation process. We will use light and x-ray scattering characterisation instruments to follow the influence of each of the variables cited above on the complexation process and the resulting particle systems. These studies will allow us to optimise the design of the diblock copolymers and the complexation process for particular RNA species, which will be chosen to target particularly problematic pests such as Drosophila Suzukii and other insects. The optimised systems will then be tested for their effect on population control for the corresponding pests and control pests that the RNA does not target.