Anhydrous calcium phosphate crystals stabilize DNA for dry storage

Abstract

The resilience of ancient DNA (aDNA) in bone gives rise to the preservation of synthetic DNA with bioinorganic materials such as calcium phosphate (CaP). Accelerated aging experiments at elevated temperature and humidity displayed a positive effect of co-precipitated, crystalline dicalcium phosphate on the stability of synthetic DNA in contrast to amorphous CaP. Quantitative PXRD in combination with SEM and EDX measurements revealed distinct CaP phase transformations of calcium phosphate dihydrate (brushite) to anhydrous dicalcium phosphate (monetite) influencing DNA stability.