
A schematic diagram illustrating the multiscale ssRNA-SWCNT delivery pathway, from foliar application through tissue transport to intracellular thermodynamically driven ssRNA desorption and RISC-mediated gene silencing. [Photo/news.hzau.edu.cn]
Overcoming traditional bottlenecks like cell wall barriers and random transgene integration, a recent review published in Plant Nano Biology highlights carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as groundbreaking delivery vehicles for precision crop breeding. Traditional methods, including Agrobacterium infection and gene gun bombardment, remain hindered by strict host limitations and heavy tissue culture dependence.
Led by Associate Professor Mohamed F. Foda's team at Huazhong Agricultural University, the study demonstrates how functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes leverage unique "nanoneedle" morphologies to effortlessly penetrate rigid plant cell walls. Measuring just 0.8 to 2 nanometers in diameter, SWCNTs seamlessly bypass cellular barriers without species-specific restrictions.
By utilizing cationic polymer modifications, these advanced nanocarriers safely transport diverse CRISPR payloads — including plasmid DNA, mRNA, and RNP complexes — into recalcitrant monocots and dicots. This breakthrough achieves efficient, transgene-free editing, paving the way for sustainable agricultural innovation.