Immobilization of DNA on nano-hydroxyapatite and their interaction with carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Here we present a preliminary study on the interaction of bio-molecules (deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (HA)) with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Initially, nano-size hydroxyapatite was interacted with functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs, HFCNTs) and then 100 base pair (bp) DNA was immobilized (DHFCNTs). Well-known acid treatment was used to functionalize the MWCNTs. The characteristic vibrational and stretching modes of hydroxyl and carbonyl group were observed at 3401, 1632 and 1708 cm-1, validating fucntionalization. The existence of 31P and 1H signals were measured by the solid state NMR spectroscopy for HA, HFCNTs and DHFCNTs which revealed the chemical interaction between HA powder and FCNTs. Appearance of an N 1s peak in the photoelectron spectra indicated the covalent attachment. Band deterioration is observed from slab gel-electrophoresis studies. Electrophoretic time study indicated that 20 min is required to run the DNA in column. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.