Applications of nanocarrier‐delivered RNA interference in agricultural biological control (2009–2025)

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi)‐based pesticides show considerable potential for sustainable agriculture due to their high target specificity and environmental safety. The integration of nanocarrier‐mediated delivery can substantially improve gene‐silencing efficiency and has therefore become a major focus of research. In this study, we quantitatively analyzed publications concerning nanocarrier‐delivered RNAi pesticides (NDRPs) indexed in the Web of Science from the inception of the field through 2025. Analysis of 215 publications revealed that NDRPs have been investigated in insects, fungi, oomycetes, mites, ticks, viruses, nematodes, and plants, with insects being the most extensively studied group. The star polycation (SPc), chitosan (CS), lipid‐based, and carbon‐based materials were the most effective nanomaterials, applied to 50 out of 61 insect species, with SPc and CS being the most widely used. The genes most frequently targeted encoded chitin synthase, cytochrome P450, and vacuolar ATPase. However, complete pest mortality has rarely been achieved using nanocarrier‐delivered RNAi. Fungi and oomycetes represented another well‐studied group, against which layered double hydroxide nanosheets and carbon dot nanoparticles were widely and effectively applied. We further discuss strategies for selecting target genes and nanocarriers, current challenges, including stability under field conditions and regulatory barriers, and future research directions, such as the integration of multiple synergistic approaches. These findings provide valuable guidance for advancing NDRP research and practical applications.