Bioconjugated nanoparticles for DNA protection from cleavage

J Am Chem Soc. 2003 Jun 18;125(24):7168-9. doi: 10.1021/ja034450d.

Abstract

We have developed a novel method to protect DNA from cleavage using bioconjugated nanoparticles. Positively charged amino-modified silica nanoparticles have been directly prepared using water-in-oil microemulsion. Plasmid DNA can be easily enriched onto the positively charged nanoparticle surface, and the DNA strands are well protected from enzymatic cleavage. When incubated with nuclease enzyme for enzymatic cleavage, free plasmid DNA strands are completely cleaved, while those on the nanoparticle surfaces are intact. Our results clearly demonstrate unique properties of nanomaterials when combined with biomolecules. Our simple bionanotechnology will be highly useful in DNA separation, manipulation, and detection, and possibly in genetic engineering and gene therapy, as plasmid DNA can be protected in cellular environments without any change in its property.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Deoxyribonuclease I / chemistry
  • Deoxyribonuclease I / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Luminescent Proteins / chemistry
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Plasmids / chemistry
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • DNA
  • Deoxyribonuclease I