Functional DNA-silica composite prepared by sol-gel method

Abstract

The high water-solubility and the biochemical instability of DNA have been serious problems in applying DNA as a practical material. Improvement of these weak points would encourage the development of a DNA-based separating device for various DNA-interactive harmful chemicals such as some mutagens and endocrine disruptors. Recently, we designed various DNA-conjugating materials to improve such weak points. In this study, we describe a new composite which combined DNA with silica components via sol-gel method. The DNA-silica composite showed the advantages of mechanical and chemical stability in both aqueous and organic solvents, and the incorporated DNA molecules were stably retained and maintained the specific functions. The DNA-silica composite could adsorb the DNA-interactive chemicals in their diluted aqueous solution. The selective adsorbing effect to the DNA-interactive chemicals was confirmed by the competitive adsorption test and GC-MS analysis. The used composite could be recycled by washing with the appropriate solvents. Thus, the DNA-silica composite has a desirable property and potential utility as a tool for separating DNA-interactive chemicals, and for environmental clean-up.