Nanocarrier-Mediated Delivery of miRNA, RNAi, and CRISPR-Cas for Plant Protection: Current Trends and Future Directions

Author(s):Show less -

Mujtaba, Muhammad ; Wang, Depeng ; Carvalho, Lucas Braganca ; Oliveira, Jhones Luiz ; Santo Pereira, Anderson do Espirito ; Sharif, Rahat ; Jogaiah, Sudisha ; Paidi, Murali Krishna ; Wang, Lichen ; Ali, Qasid ; Fraceto, Leonardo Fernandes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY; v. 1, n. 5, p. 19-pg., 2021-10-18.

Abstract

Current trends in plant genetic transformation technologies, i.e., designing and applying molecules like miRNA, RNAi, and CRISPR-Cas, largely enable researchers to target specific sites in the plant genome to avert the growing biotic and abiotic threats to plants. However, the delivery of these molecules through conventional techniques brings an array of drawbacks such as low efficiency due to the cell wall barrier, tissue damage that leads to browning or necrosis, degradation of these biomolecules by physiological conditions (high temperature, harsh pH, and light), and plant-specific protocols. The advancements in nanotechnology offer an excellent alternative for the safe and highly efficient delivery of biomolecules such as miRNA, CRISPR-Cas, and RNAi without damaging the plant tissues. Nanoparticle (polymeric, metallic, magnetic, silica, carbon, etc.)-based delivery of biomolecules can be efficiently utilized especially for plant protection applications. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of current trends (with a focus on the previous five years) in nanoparticle-based delivery of miRNA, RNAi, CRISPR-Cas and simillar biomolecules for plant protection applications. In addition, a future perspective focuses on the research gaps and unexplored potentials of nanoparticles for the delivery of biomolecules. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/21004-5 - Agriculture, micro/nanotechnology and environment: from evaluation of the mechanisms of action to studies of transport and toxicity
• Grantee: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/21142-1 - Encapsulation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) in polymeric microparticles and association with nanoencapsulated chemical agent: evaluation of biological activity and mechanisms of action
• Grantee: Jhones Luiz de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/23608-8 - Development of labelled nanopesticides aiming studies of mechanism of action and toxicity
• Grantee: Lucas Bragança de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral