Preparation of DNA–cyclodextrin–silica composite by sol–gel method and its utilization as an environmental material

A DNA–cyclodextrin–silica composite was prepared by the sol–gel method. This composite possessed the bi-functions of double-stranded DNA, such as intercalation into DNA, and cyclodextrin, such as inclusion into its intramolecular cavity. Therefore, we demonstrated the accumulation of harmful compounds from an aqueous multi-component solution using a DNA–cyclodextrin–silica composite column. As a result, the DNA–cyclodextrin–silica composite column can effectively accumulate not only planar structure-containing harmful compounds, such as dioxin and polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) derivatives, but also non-planar structure containing compounds, such as bisphenol A and diethylstilbestrol, from an aqueous multi-component solution. The accumulated amount of these harmful compounds was more than 90%. Additionally, the DNA–cyclodextrin–silica composite column was recycled by the application of methanol. Therefore, the DNA–cyclodextrin–silica composite may have the potential to be used as an environmental material for the accumulation of harmful compounds from industrial or experimental waste.

► A DNA–cyclodextrin (CD)–silica composite was prepared by the sol–gel method.
► The DNA–CD–silica composite can accumulate the various harmful compounds.
► The accumulated amount of these harmful compounds was more than 90%.
► In addition, the DNA–CD–silica composite was recycled by the addition of methanol.