Polymerization techniques to develop novel carriers for enhanced delivery of bioinsecticides

该项目将探索使用精确的活性自由基聚合方法设计良好控制的二嵌段共聚物的可能性，用于络合和递送基于rna的生物农药。该项目将首先合成一系列双嵌段共聚物，其中两个嵌段与一个中性嵌段和另一个带正电的嵌段完全水溶性。后者将为聚合物和带负电荷的RNA分子之间的相互作用提供一个场所，这将导致体系的沉淀，并在聚合物和添加的RNA之间形成复杂的颗粒。我们将研究多个变量（包括块长比、聚合物分子量、RNA加成速率、RNA/聚合物浓度比等），以进一步了解在络合过程中发生的机制。我们将使用光和x射线散射表征仪器来跟踪上述每个变量对络合过程和所得粒子系统的影响。这些研究将使我们能够优化双嵌段共聚物的设计和特定RNA物种的络合过程，这些RNA物种将被选择用于针对特别有问题的害虫，如铃木果蝇和其他昆虫。然后将测试优化后的系统对相应害虫的种群控制效果，以及对RNA不针对的害虫的控制效果。

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.