Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Gene-therapy Inspired Polycation Coating for Protection of DNA Origami Nanostructures
Published on: January 19, 2019
Efficient Binding, Protection, and Self-Release of dsRNA in Soil by Linear and Star Cationic Polymers
Richard Whitfield1, Athina Anastasaki1, Nghia P Truong2
1Chemistry Department, University of Warwick, Library Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, U.K.
Abstract:
Double stranded RNA (dsRNA) exhibits severe degradation within 3 days in live soil, limiting its potential application in crop protection. Herein we report the efficient binding, protection, and self-release of dsRNA in live soil through the usage of a cationic polymer. Soil stability assays show that linear poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl acrylate) can delay the degradation of dsRNA by up to 1 week while the star shaped analogue showed an increased stabilization of dsRNA by up to 3 weeks. Thus, the architecture of the polymer can significantly affect the lifetime of dsRNA in soil. In addition, the hydrolysis and dsRNA binding and release profiles of these polymers were carefully evaluated and discussed. Importantly, hydrolysis could occur independently of environmental conditions (e.g., different pH, different temperature) showing the potential for many opportunities in agrochemicals where protection and subsequent self-release of dsRNA in live soil is required.
Related Concept Videos
Single-Strand DNA Binding Proteins
Translesion DNA Polymerases
TLS polymerases are found in all three domains of life - archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Of the different classes of TLS polymerases, members of the Y family are fitted with specialized structures that...
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
RNA Stability

