Non-Propagating Transgenic Microalgae for RNAi Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering RNAi molecules, such as dsRNA, to target organisms face challenges including instability and inefficiency, particularly in oral delivery systems, and pose risks of genetic contamination due to propagating transgenic organisms.
Innovation Solution
Development of non-propagating transgenic microalgae that express heterologous RNAi molecules, which are stable and biologically active, allowing for systemic absorption and targeted gene silencing in consumers, and are designed to be environmentally safe by not propagating even if rehydrated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propagating transgenic organisms are used for RNAi delivery, then the delivery system can self-replicate and potentially enhance efficacy, but genetic contamination and environmental safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful propagating capability from the transgenic microalgae by using non-propagating strains that cannot reproduce or form colonies. This removes the genetic contamination risk while preserving the RNAi delivery function, as the microalgae can still be consumed and deliver the RNAi molecules to target organisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses non-propagating microalgae as an intermediary delivery vehicle. These microalgae serve as a temporary carrier that delivers RNAi molecules to target organisms through consumption, then is eliminated without reproducing. This intermediary approach enables effective RNAi delivery while preventing genetic contamination of the environment.
2Reliability
If RNAi molecules are delivered through conventional methods, then direct delivery to target organisms is possible, but stability and biological activity are reduced during processing and consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the microalgal cell wall and membrane structures as protective shells that encapsulate and protect the RNAi molecules during processing and digestion. These biological membranes provide physical protection and maintain RNAi molecule integrity until they are released in the target organism, thereby enhancing stability without requiring synthetic encapsulation materials.
3Ease of operation
If transgenic microalgae are used as RNAi delivery vehicles, then oral delivery to target organisms is enabled, but the complexity of creating and maintaining transgenic lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal non-propagating microalgal platform that can deliver RNAi molecules to various target organisms (insects, fish, mammals) through a common mechanism of consumption and digestion. This multi-functional platform reduces the need to develop separate delivery systems for different targets, thereby simplifying the overall approach despite the initial complexity of creating transgenic lines.
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 RNAi molecules remain intact and functional during processing and consumption, effectively silencing target genes in organisms, while the non-propagating microalgae prevent genetic contamination, offering a generic and safe delivery method for various organisms.
Implementation Method 1
systemic absorption and targeted gene silencing in consumers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides non-propagating transgenic microalgae expressing at least one heterologous RNAi molecule. The RNAi-expressing non-propagating transgenic microalgae are used for oral delivery of the RNAi molecule to a target organism in its intact and functional form. The heterologous RNAi molecule, present within the microalgae, is characterized by being biologically active, exerting at least one specific effect on the organism consuming the microalgae or on a pathogen of said organism. In particular, the non-propagating transgenic microalgae are used as agents for biological control of animal and plant pests.