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Plant Trait Regulation Enabled by Nanoplastic Nucleic Acid Carriers
Haimei Wu1, Ziqian Li1, Yunmu Xiao1
1National Engineering Laboratory of Applied Technology for Forestry & Ecology in South China, the Laboratory of Urban Forest Ecology of Hunan Province, Department of Ecology and Environment, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, Hunan Province 410004, China.
Positively charged nanoplastics effectively deliver RNA interference molecules into plant cells, temporarily altering gene expression and plant traits. This research advances understanding of nanoplastic biosafety and phytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Molecular Biology
- Plant Science
Background:
- Nanoplastic pollutants pose risks to plant physiology.
- RNA interference (RNAi) offers potential for regulating plant traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nanoplastic nucleic acid carriers (NNAC) for intracellular regulation of plant traits.
- To assess the efficacy and reversibility of nanoplastic-mediated gene silencing in plants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized RNA interference (RNAi) technology with nanoplastics.
- Formed stable small interfering RNA-nanoplastic complexes (siRNA-PS) via electrostatic interactions.
- Observed cellular uptake and gene silencing effects in tobacco using fluorescence and gene expression analysis.
Main Results:
- Positively charged polystyrene nanoplastics (20 nm) efficiently adsorbed siRNA.
- siRNA-PS complexes were internalized by tobacco leaf cells, confirmed by red fluorescence.
- Significant gene silencing of green fluorescent protein (GFP) by 97.6% and chalcone isomerase (CHI) by 69.4% was observed.
- Gene expression largely reverted to baseline levels within 4 days, indicating transient regulation.
Conclusions:
- Nanoplastics can serve as effective carriers for siRNA delivery into plant cells.
- This mechanism provides a transient, non-genetic method for modulating plant traits.
- Findings contribute to nanoplastic biosafety assessment and understanding nanopollutant phytotoxicity.
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