A vector-free gene interference system using delaminated Mg–Al-lactate layered double hydroxide nanosheets as molecular carriers to intact plant cells

BACKGROUND: The Mg–Al-lactate layered double hydroxide nanosheet (LDH-NS) has shown great potential as an optimal nanocarrier for extensive use in plants. However, previous studies in plant sciences have not provided a clear description of the application for the LDH-NSs-based double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery (LDH-dsRNA) system in different tissues of both model and non-model species. RESULTS: LDH-NSs were synthesized by using the co-precipitation method, while the dsRNAs targeting genes of interest were prepared in vitro using T7 RNA polymerase. The LDH-dsRNA bioconjugates with a neutral charge were produced by incubating with the mass ratio of LDH-NSs to dsRNA at 3:1, which were then introduced into intact plant cells using three different approaches, including injection, spray, and soak. The LDH-dsRNA delivery method was optimized by inhibiting the expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana ACTIN2 gene. As a result, soaking A. thaliana seedlings in a medium containing LDH-dsRNA for 30 min led to the silencing of 80% of the target genes. The stability and effectiveness of the LDH-dsRNA system were further confirmed by the high-efficiency knockdown of plant tissue-specific genes, including that encoding phytoene desaturase (PDS), WUSCHEL (WUS), WUSCHEL-related homeobox 5 (WOX5), and ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6 (RHD6). In addition, the LDH-dsRNA system was employed in cassava, where it was found that the expression of the gene encoding nucleotide-binding site and leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) was significantly reduced. As a result, the resistance of cassava leaves to pathogens was weakened. Noteworthy, the injection of LDH-dsRNA into leaves resulted in a significant downregulation of target genes in both stems and flowers, indicating the successful transport of LDH-dsRNA from leaves to other parts of plants. CONCLUSIONS: LDH-NSs have proven to be a highly effective molecular tool for delivering dsRNA into intact plant cells, enabling accurate control of target gene expression. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13007-023-01021-1.