Clay Complex Adsorbs dsRNA for Insect Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling insect populations on plants, such as chemical insecticides and transgenic plants, face challenges like environmental safety concerns, resistance development, and inefficiencies in delivering double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for RNA interference, which is hindered by stability issues and delivery difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising double-stranded RNA adsorbed onto a clay complex, specifically a cationic clay with positively charged groups, providing stability against nucleases and UV light, and releasing dsRNA in the insect's alimentary canal for effective delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double stranded RNA is delivered to insects for RNA interference, then insect control efficacy is improved, but stability of dsRNA against nucleases and UV light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a clay complex as an intermediary carrier to deliver dsRNA to insects. The clay complex protects dsRNA from degradation by nucleases and UV light in the environment, while still allowing effective delivery to the insect's alimentary canal where it can exert its RNA interference effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of dsRNA by adsorbing it onto the clay complex surface. This changes the stability parameters of dsRNA, making it resistant to nuclease degradation and UV light, while maintaining its ability to be delivered to and function in the insect's digestive system.
2Ease of operation
If double stranded RNA is mixed in the diet for ingestion, then delivery to insects is improved, but degradation by gut nucleases and saliva increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clay complex serves as a protective intermediary that shields dsRNA from gut nucleases and saliva during the ingestion process. The dsRNA remains adsorbed to the clay complex through the hostile digestive environment, preventing degradation until it reaches the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The clay complex provides beforehand cushioning protection to dsRNA against enzymatic degradation by nucleases and saliva. This protective layer is established before the dsRNA enters the insect's digestive system, cushioning it against the harsh conditions it would otherwise face.
3Productivity
If chemical insecticides are used for control, then insect population control is improved, but environmental safety and resistance development worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of insecticides with a biological mechanism (RNA interference). Instead of using chemical agents that kill insects directly, the system uses dsRNA to silence specific genes in the insect, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative that reduces resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable clay complex carrier that can be easily applied and breaks down after use. This disposable delivery system eliminates the need for persistent chemical residues in the environment, reducing long-term environmental impact while maintaining effective insect control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The clay-dsRNA complex protects dsRNA from degradation, ensuring its delivery and efficacy in targeting insect pests, offering a stable and specific solution for plant protection without adverse effects on non-target species or the environment.
Implementation Method 1
double stranded RNA adsorbed onto a clay complex
Implementation Method 2
a molecule including a plurality of positively charged groups
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
Figure 4A~6B
Figure 7~9
AI summary
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a composition for delivery of double stranded RNA to an insect having a basic pH within its alimentary canal, wherein the composition comprises double stranded RNA adsorbed onto a clay complex, and wherein the clay complex is configured to release the double stranded RNA at the basic pH. Other aspects of the invention relate to preparations including the composition of the invention, methods of delivering double stranded RNA to an insect and methods of protecting a crop against an insect.