Delivery methods of RNAi in entomological research and factors affecting delivery efficiency

RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene silencing phenomenon caused by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which has brought about significant changes to the field of biology, and demonstrated great value in various areas such as gene function research, medicine, and agriculture. The efficiency of RNAi in interfering with target genes is influenced by multiple factors, among which the delivery method of dsRNA plays a crucial role. In entomological research, dsRNA can be delivered through methods such as injection, feeding, cuticle penetration (soaking or spraying), and transgenic plant-mediated delivery, enabling the identification of gene functions or other application developments. This article reviews these delivery methods and analyzes some key factors affecting dsRNA delivery efficiency, in order to provide references for numerous entomological studies and the application methodologies of this technology.