Scientists at the University of Queensland have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize crop improvement techniques.
They have successfully introduced genetic material into plants through their roots for the first time, opening up new avenues for rapid agricultural advancement.
Innovative Nanoparticle Technology
Professor Bernard Carroll from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences highlighted the potential of using nanoparticle technology for precise genetic modifications in plants.
This innovative approach could not only boost crop yields but also enhance the quality of food produced.
Traditional methods of breeding and genetically modifying plants typically require several generations to create new varieties, often resulting in time-consuming and expensive processes.
In contrast, this new technique allows for more immediate changes.
The research team cleverly utilized a harmless nanoparticle that was initially developed by Professor Gordon Xu’s team at UQ for vaccine delivery and cancer treatments in animals.
To overcome the strong, woody nature of plant cell walls—which are tougher than those found in animals or humans—they added a specialized protein coating to the nanoparticle, allowing it to penetrate these barriers effectively.
Successful Delivery of Genetic Material
This approach enabled the nanoparticle to deliver synthetic mRNA into plant cells for the first time. mRNAs play a vital role in biology by carrying genetic instructions that govern the production and enhancement of different life forms.
In their experiments, the researchers managed to insert synthetic mRNA coding for a green fluorescent protein into various plant species, including Arabidopsis—a common model organism in genetic research related to the cabbage and canola families.
In a surprising twist, Professor Carroll noted that instead of dumping all of its contents within the first cell it encountered, the nanoparticle traveled further into the plant, dispersing the mRNA as it moved along with water.
This promising result hints at the future potential for quickly generating new crop varieties.
Ongoing research may pave the way for addressing specific agricultural challenges, such as flavor or quality, without the lengthy timelines typically tied to crossbreeding or traditional genetic modification.
Future Implications and Safeguards
Professor Carroll drew an interesting analogy, comparing this process to mRNA vaccines that stimulate the immune system to produce proteins before gradually breaking down.
The mRNA introduced into plants follows a similar pathway, being expressed temporarily before it degrades.
To safeguard this pioneering technique, UQ’s commercialization arm, UniQuest, has already filed for a patent and is actively seeking partners to help further develop the technology.
The research team comprised Professor Zhi Pin (Gordon) Xu and Dr. Jiaxi Yong from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, alongside the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation.
Their collaborative efforts stand poised to change the landscape of agricultural science.
Source: ScienceDaily