Core–Shell Polymeric Nanostructures with Intracellular ATP-Fueled dsRNA Delivery toward Genetic Control of Insect Pests

Abstract

Transgenic RNA interference (RNAi) represents a burgeoning and promising alternative avenue to manage plant diseases and insect pests in plants. Nonviral nanostructured dsRNA carriers have been demonstrated to possess great potential to facilitate the application of RNAi. However, it remains a critical challenge to achieve the targeted and effective release of dsRNA into the pest cells, limiting the efficiency of the biological control of pests and diseases in practical applications. In this study, we designed and constructed a new type of core–shell polymeric nanostructure (CSPN) with controllable structure, eco-friendliness, and good biocompatibility, on which dsRNA can be efficiently loaded. Once loaded into CSPNs, the dsRNA can be effectively prevented from nonsense degradation by enzymes before entering cells, and it shows targeted and image-guided release triggered by intracellular ATP, which significantly increases the efficiency of gene transfection. Significantly, the in vivo study of the typical lepidoptera silkworm after oral feeding demonstrates the potential of dsCHT10 in CSPNs for a much better knockdown efficiency than that of naked dsCHT10. This innovation enables the nanotechnology developed for the disease microenvironment-triggered release of therapeutic genes for application in sustainable crop protection.