Protocol for gene knockdown in Trichoplax adhaerens using a silica nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference technique

Here, we present a protocol for gene knockdown in Trichoplax adhaerens using a silica nanoparticle-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) technique. We describe steps for preparing silica nanoparticles, assembling RNAi complexes, and delivering them to live specimens. This protocol enables reproducible suppression of target gene expression in T. adhaerens and achieves transcript knockdown efficiencies of approximately 50%-70%, as assessed by quantitative PCR. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li et al.(1).