New Platform Extends RNAi Biopesticide Shelf Life
SenseUP uses microbial cell wall encapsulation to stabilize RNA crop treatments for over 18 months in dry conditions.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Biotech
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SenseUP has patented a new production platform for RNA interference (RNAi) biopesticides that utilizes microbial cell walls for stability. The company is now seeking commercial partners to scale production of these RNA-based treatments for crop protection.
Why it matters
RNAi-based pesticides offer a targeted alternative to traditional chemicals, potentially reducing environmental harm while addressing the growing issue of pesticide resistance. By encapsulating RNA in microbial walls, this platform seeks to solve the durability challenges that have long hampered the commercial viability of biological crop treatments.
The SenseUP platform achieves an 18+ month room-temperature storage shelf life by encapsulating double-stranded RNA within the cell walls of Corynebacterium host microbes. The process utilizes high-throughput biosensors to screen millions of microbial strains to identify those with the highest production efficiency.
The players
SenseUP
A German biotechnology company focused on developing microbial-based RNA production platforms for agricultural applications.
GreenLight Biosciences
A biotechnology firm that develops RNA-based solutions for plant health, including the Calantha insecticide.
The details
SenseUP identifies high-producing host candidates by using biosensors, which are engineered biological systems that produce a fluorescent signal when a cell is expressing high levels of the target molecule. Once identified, these microbes are used as production factories that incorporate multiple double-stranded RNA sequences into a single microbial cell. Encapsulating the RNA within the rigid cell wall of the Corynebacterium host protects the genetic material from degradation, which has historically been the primary obstacle to deploying RNAi pesticides in field conditions.
Timeline
18+ months is the measured shelf life for these biopesticides in dry storage.
May 2026 was the month Belgium issued a 120-day emergency authorization for an existing RNAi insecticide.
The Tech Race
This development marks a significant advancement in the competitive race to move RNAi pesticides from niche experimental applications to mainstream industrial agriculture. It aligns with broader regulatory shifts, such as the European Commission's proposed changes to plant protection laws designed to expedite the approval of biological pest control agents.
These biopesticides are currently in the stage of seeking commercial partners and regulatory approval for application on crops affected by Coleoptera insects and fungal pathogens. Once integrated into agricultural workflows, they could replace traditional chemical pesticides, though the specific rollout timeline depends on ongoing regulatory registration paths in regions like Brazil and the EU.
The takeaway
The move toward RNA-based crop protection is accelerating as companies solve for the long-term stability of biological payloads in field conditions. Watch for forthcoming regulatory registration data from Brazil and the impact of updated EU plant protection standards on market access timelines.
Further reading
For broader trends in genetic engineering applications, explore our Biotech section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AgFunderNews.
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Should agricultural policy prioritize the rapid adoption of biological pesticides over traditional chemicals?
