DNA adsorption characteristics of hollow spherule allophane nano-particles.

To understand the propensity of natural allophane to adsorb the DNA molecules, the adsorption characteristics were assessed against natural allophane (AK70), using single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP) as a reference molecule. The adsorption capacity of ss-DNA on AK70 exhibited one order of magnitude lower value as compared with that of 5'-AMP. The adsorption capacity of ss-DNA decreased with increasing pH due to the interaction generated between phosphate groups of ss-DNA and functional Al-OH groups on the wall perforations through deprotonating, associated with higher energy barrier for the adsorption of ss-DNA.

Preparation and characterization of DNA/allophane composite hydrogels.

The preparation and characterization of the composite hydrogels based on double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and natural allophane (AK70) were reported. To understand the propensity of the natural allophane to adsorb the DNA molecules, using zeta potential measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrophoresis analyses assessed the adsorption characteristics. The freeze-dried DNA/AK70 hydrogels were demonstrated that the DNA bundle structure with a width of ∼2μm and a length of ∼15-20μm was wrapped around the clustered allophane particles as revealed by FE-SEM/EDX analysis.

Biomineralization of hydroxyapatite on DNA molecules in SBF: morphological features and computer simulation.

The hydroxyapatite (HA) formation on the DNA molecules in SBF was examined. After immersion for four weeks in SBF at 36.5 °C, the HA crystallites of ~1-14 μm in diameter grew on the surface of DNA molecules.