Integrating RNA Interference and Nanotechnology: A Transformative Approach in Plant Protection
Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Md Robel Ahmed, Muhammad Noman, Zhen Zhang, Jing Wang, Jing Wang, Ziqi Lu, Yingying Cai, Temoor Ahmed, Bin Li, Yanli Wang, A.K.M. Golam Sarwar, Jiaoyu Wang, Jiaoyu Wang
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a potent mechanism for combating pathogenic fungi and oomycetes over the past decades. It offers a promising gene-silencing approach by targeting crucial genes involved in diseases caused by economically and scientifically significant fungal pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium species. Simultaneously, nano-agro-products have gained attention as alternatives to traditional fungicides in plant protection strategies. However, the instability of naked RNA molecules outside the cellular environment presents a challenge, as they degrade rapidly, limiting their efficacy for prolonged disease control. Concerns regarding the toxicity of protective nanoparticles to non-target organisms have also arisen. Integrating RNAi with nano-agro-products, particularly nanocarriers, to form RNA-nano complexes has demonstrated significant potential, providing enhanced RNA stability, reduced toxicity, and extended disease control. This review explores the mechanisms of RNA-nano complexes-mediated plant protection, addressing RNA stability and nano-toxicity issues while examining the prospects of RNA-nano complex research in plant pathogen management.