RNA nanostructure biopesticides for brown planthopper control
Innovative RNA nanostructure biopesticides offer an eco-friendly solution for controlling brown planthopper in rice. Designed for durability and effective delivery, they promise scalability and efficacy in diverse field conditions.
Overview
RNA nanostructure biopesticides present a groundbreaking approach to managing brown planthopper infestations in rice crops. This technology utilizes self-assembled RNA nanostructures (SARNs) to achieve high efficacy, demonstrated by 94% knockdown of target genes and 100% mortality in lab conditions. The development focuses on optimizing SARNs for field durability and effective delivery through foliar sprays and plant uptake, with an emphasis on scalability and environmental sustainability. This innovation is poised to be the first practical application of RNA nanotechnology in agricultural pest management, offering significant benefits to rice farmers.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Enhanced Stability: SARNs outperform traditional dsRNA in terms of stability and uptake, ensuring prolonged effectiveness in field conditions.
- Scalable Production: Developed scalable E. coli fermentation and lyophilization processes facilitate cost-effective production.
- Broad Gene Targeting: Expanding target genes (e.g., NlEcR, NlFoxO) to enhance robustness and efficacy against diverse pest populations.
- Environmentally Friendly: RNA-only composition ensures biodegradability and minimal impact on non-target organisms.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 6, this technology has demonstrated efficacy in lab and greenhouse settings and is moving towards large-scale production and field trials. The project encompasses phases of optimization, scale-up, and extensive field trials to validate its application and impact in real-world agricultural environments.
About Zhejiang University of Technology
Zhejiang University of Technology is a comprehensive public university in Hangzhou with an engineering-led profile and an applied research culture. It engages industry at scale through local entity research institutes across Zhejiang, hundreds of university–enterprise joint R&D centers, and on‑campus contract research platforms. A jointly built future‑technology institute in Hangzhou’s Gongshu District provides co‑located labs, a results‑transaction center, and an industrial park that incubates ventures and anchors corporate collaborations. Research is supported by competitive national and provincial programs in China alongside industry‑sponsored work. A dedicated technology transfer office and multiple technology transfer centers provide IP, licensing, and commercialization support.
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