Biodegradable nanoparticle platform for dna-free genome editing in plants
A biodegradable nanoplatform delivering biomolecules into plant cells enables transgene-free CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for sustainable agriculture. The ~60 nm particles achieve ~95% loading efficiency and ~10 wt% cargo capacity, supporting genotype-flexible editing without foreign DNA integration.
Overview
This research introduces a biodegradable nanoparticle platform designed to deliver biomolecular cargo directly into plant cells, enabling transgene-free and genotype-flexible genome editing. By eliminating the need for conventional DNA-based transformation methods, the technology addresses key limitations in plant biotechnology, including regulatory concerns associated with transgenic crops and species-specific transformation barriers. The approach supports sustainable agriculture by providing a versatile delivery system compatible with multiple dicotyledonous plant species and a wide range of biomolecular payloads, including DNA, mRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins.
Technical specifications
- Nanoparticle composition: Biodegradable material engineered for safe, transient delivery in plant tissues
- Particle size: Less than 60 nm, enabling efficient penetration into intact leaf cells
- Loading capacity: Approximately 10 wt% biomolecule cargo content
- Loading efficiency: Approximately 95%
- Payload versatility: Successfully delivers functional GFP DNA and mRNA into multiple dicotyledonous plant species
- Editing capability (planned): Delivery of preassembled CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes for targeted genome modification
- Editing validation methods: T7 endonuclease I mismatch assay combined with next-generation sequencing via locus-specific targeted approaches
- Editing outcome: Transgene-free, DNA-free modification of endogenous plant genes
Technology readiness level
The platform is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development. Preliminary data have confirmed successful delivery of functional biomolecules into intact leaf cells across multiple plant species. The next phase of validation, estimated at approximately one year, will focus on demonstrating CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein delivery and quantifying editing efficiency through molecular and sequencing-based assays. The research team is actively seeking partnership support for nanoparticle optimization, high-throughput next-generation sequencing capabilities, real-time PCR equipment access, and funding for key personnel to advance the technology toward broader agricultural applications.
About Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university with a large graduate and professional footprint and a major clinical enterprise. Its medical campus is integrated with a leading hospital system, enabling joint clinical research, secure data access, and large-scale trial recruitment. An adjacent innovation district and partner incubators provide flexible lab space, prototyping resources, and corporate co-location, while shared core facilities welcome external users under service agreements. Research is supported by NIH, NSF, DOE, and other competitive federal funding alongside industry sponsorship. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and streamlined sponsored research and clinical trial agreements.
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