Clay nanoparticle-facilitated RNAi for non-transgenic modification of crops

该项目旨在确定最有效的喷雾配方，由粘土纳米颗粒和诱导RNA干扰（RNAi）组成，以操纵植物中的基因表达。局部应用双链RNA （dsRNA）进行RNAi是一种有吸引力的替代转基因作物的方法。然而，裸dsRNA是不稳定的，不能有效地被植物吸收。由于这些原因，到目前为止，局部应用dsRNA在植物中只产生了适度的RNAi诱导。纳米粒子促进的植物基因表达操作将使保护作物免受病害的可持续清洁绿色策略成为可能。该项目将改善作物保护和生产力，提高澳大利亚作物的出口潜力。

This project aims to define the most effective spray formulations, consisting of clay nanoparticles and induced RNA interference (RNAi) to manipulate gene expression in plants. Topical application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for RNAi represents an attractive alternative to genetically engineered crops. However, naked dsRNA is unstable and is not efficiently taken up by plants. For these reasons, topical application of dsRNA has thus far produced only modest induction of RNAi in plants. Nanoparticle-facilitated manipulation of gene expression in plants will enable sustainable clean green strategies for protecting crops from diseases. This project will result in improved crop protection and productivity and boost the export potential of Australian crops.