Carbon Dots Boost dsRNA Delivery in Plants and Increase Local and Systemic siRNA Production

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• RNA interference (RNAi) holds promise for crop protection.
• Efficient delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plants remains a challenge for foliar applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate carbon dots (CDs) as a carrier for dsRNA foliar delivery in plants.
• To assess the efficacy of CD-dsRNA nanocomposites in enhancing dsRNA uptake and systemic movement.

Main Methods:

• Carbon dots synthesized from glucose/saccharose and passivated with polyethylenimines.
• Characterization of CDs using hydrodynamic analysis, TEM, XPS, and FTIR.
• Delivery of naked or CD-coated dsRNA to cucumber leaves via spraying and subsequent quantification of dsRNA and siRNAs.

Main Results:

• CDs possess positive charges, suitable for dsRNA nanocomposite formation.
• CD-dsRNA nanocomposites increased dsRNA leaf entry by 50-fold compared to naked dsRNA.
• Systemic dsRNA and siRNA accumulation in distal leaves significantly increased with CD-dsRNA nanocomposite delivery.
• FITC-labeled dsRNA showed enhanced apoplastic accumulation and plant entry when coated with CDs.

Conclusions:

• Hydrothermally synthesized carbon dots are effective carriers for dsRNA foliar delivery.
• CD-dsRNA nanocomposites enhance dsRNA uptake, translocation, and RNAi efficacy in plants.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing sustainable agricultural pest and disease management solutions.