Polynucleotide Delivery via Cationic Polysaccharide Complexes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RNAi-based pest control methods face challenges in maintaining the stability of interfering RNAs due to environmental factors like precipitation and photodegradation, particularly in topical agricultural applications.

Innovation Solution

The development of compositions involving cross-linked cationic polysaccharides, such as cationic guar gum, which form complexes with polynucleotides to enhance stability, rainfastness, and photostability, allowing for their use in liquid or solid formulations suitable for agricultural applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polynucleotides are applied topically in agricultural settings, then pest control effectiveness is achieved, but stability against environmental factors (precipitation and photodegradation) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepest control effectivenessVSAvoidpolynucleotide stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polynucleotides with cationic polysaccharides to form composite particles. The cationic polysaccharide component provides structural stability and protection against environmental degradation, while the polynucleotide component maintains its pest control function. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by embedding the fragile polynucleotide within a protective polysaccharide matrix that resists precipitation and photodegradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the polynucleotide delivery system by forming complexes with cationic polysaccharides. This changes the stability parameters of the polynucleotide, making it resistant to environmental factors while maintaining its biological activity for pest control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If polynucleotides are used in liquid or solid formulations for agricultural use, then applicability is improved, but exposure to environmental degradation factors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation applicabilityVSAvoidenvironmental degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality protection by forming a protective shell or coating around the polynucleotide using cationic polysaccharides. This localized protective layer specifically shields the polynucleotide from environmental degradation factors (precipitation and photodegradation) while allowing the formulation to maintain its liquid or solid form for agricultural application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stability of the object's composition

If cross-linked cationic polysaccharide particles are formed with polynucleotides, then stability and rainfastness are improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolynucleotide stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cationic polysaccharide acts as an intermediary between the polynucleotide and the environmental factors. It forms a mediating complex that protects the polynucleotide from degradation while maintaining formulation simplicity. The cross-linked structure of the polysaccharide provides the necessary stability and rainfastness without requiring complex formulation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

These complexes improve the stability, rainfastness, and photostability of polynucleotides, ensuring their effectiveness in agricultural settings by forming stable, hydrophilic particles that remain effective despite environmental exposures.

Implementation Method 1

The complex formed by the polynucleotide and the cross-linked cationic polysaccharide particle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

improving the photostability of a polynucleotide, including the step of combining a polynucleotide with a cross-linked cationic polysaccharide particle to form a cationic, hydrophilic complex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoprotection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

improving the rainfastness of a polynucleotide, including the step of combining a polynucleotide with a cross-linked cationic polysaccharide particle to form a cationic, hydrophilic complex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilic interaction: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentUS11134675B2Methods and compositions for delivery of polynucleotides
Publication Date: 2021.10.05 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

This disclosure provides compositions and methods for delivery of a polynucleotide to an organism. More specifically, this disclosure relates to compositions including a mixture of a polynucleotide and a cationic polysaccharide, and methods of providing such compositions to an organism, such as a pest (e.g., an insect, a nematode, a mollusk).