BACKGROUND The ectoparasite Lucilia cuprina causes ‘flystrike’, a serious health and welfare issue for sheep. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a promising biocontrol strategy for L. cuprina , but its application is limited by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) instability. RESULTS A novel bentonite–polymer (BenPol) delivery system was developed and characterized by X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming successful polymer–bentonite interaction and dsRNA loading. This study assessed the stability and effectiveness of RNAi against L. cuprina larvae using a BenPol delivery system. Six dsRNA targets were screened via larval microinjection, and three with the highest knockdown and survival reduction were selected. dsRNAs were adsorbed onto polyethylenimine (PEI) or poly‐[2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (pDMAEMA) and encapsulated with bentonite (Ben). Both BenPol–PEI and BenPol–pDMAEMA systems demonstrated low cytotoxicity, efficient dsRNA cellular uptake (confocal imaging), and >24 h protection from larval midgut fluid degradation. In feeding assays, BenPol formulations significantly enhanced RNAi efficacy, with lower target gene expression than naked dsRNA at 3, 5, and 7 days post‐treatment. CONCLUSION Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of BenPol system as an efficient delivery platform for dsRNA, and advancement of sustainable agricultural biotechnology applications and providing a promising solution for managing flystrike in sheep.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Yan et al. (2025) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: