Microbial RNA Silencing Delivery Using Solvent-Treated Dead Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inducing RNA silencing in target organisms face challenges such as RNA degradation, environmental impact from genetically modified organisms, and inefficiency in RNA delivery, particularly when using live microorganisms or heat-treated cells.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of dead cells from microorganisms treated with an organic solvent to induce RNA silencing in target organisms, where the microorganisms have the ability to produce RNA for silencing, with specific concentrations and treatment times for the solvent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purified RNA is provided to target organisms, then RNA silencing can be induced, but RNA degradation by environmental factors and enzymes reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microorganism cells as an intermediary carrier to deliver RNA to target organisms. Instead of directly applying purified RNA which degrades easily, the RNA is produced and protected within microorganism cells that serve as a delivery vehicle, shielding the RNA from environmental degradation while maintaining its silencing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs microorganisms as living factories to continuously produce and supply RNA to target organisms. Rather than providing a limited amount of purified RNA, the microorganism system replicates and regenerates RNA within the target organism, ensuring sustained silencing effect without repeated applications
2Reliability
If cells of microorganisms expressing RNA are used in viable form, then RNA delivery is improved, but adverse effects on ecosystem occur due to release of genetically modified organisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microorganisms as temporary, disposable delivery vehicles that are applied externally to target organisms and then discarded. These microorganism cells serve their purpose of RNA delivery and are not intended for long-term persistence or reproduction in the environment, reducing ecological concerns associated with permanently introduced GMOs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and applies only the essential functional component (RNA-producing microorganism cells) without introducing full genetically modified organism systems that would require long-term environmental integration. The microorganism cells are used as isolated delivery units rather than as part of a sustained GMO population
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cells of microorganisms expressing RNA are sterilized by heating, then safety is improved, but RNA is extremely decomposed by heat or chemical reactions in the cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and composition of microorganism cells by treating them with organic solvents to create a non-viable but RNA-preserving state. This parameter change allows the cells to be safely applied without GMO risks while maintaining RNA integrity through chemical modification rather than thermal destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatment conditions to different components of the microorganism system: the cell structure is modified by organic solvent treatment to ensure safety and stability, while the RNA content is preserved in its functional state. This localized differentiation of treatment effects allows simultaneous achievement of safety and RNA integrity
4Reliability
If purified RNA is used, then RNA silencing can be induced, but isolation and purification costs are extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microorganisms as self-service production systems that automatically synthesize and supply RNA within target organisms. Rather than requiring external purification and application of expensive purified RNA, the microorganism system performs the production function internally, continuously generating RNA as needed without external intervention or purification costs
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
This approach efficiently induces RNA silencing in target organisms, effectively suppressing gene expression and reducing environmental impact by using treated dead cells, achieving significant suppression of target organism activity and preventing harm caused by pests.
Implementation Method 1
the dead cells have been subjected to a treatment with an organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A method for efficiently inducing RNA silencing in a target organism is provided. RNA silencing is induced in a target organism by allowing the target organism to ingest cells of a microorganism, wherein the microorganism is able to produce RNA that induces RNA silencing after treating the cells with an organic solvent.