Synthesis and characterization of a lamellar hydroxyapatite/DNA nanohybrid

Two-dimensional layered materials exhibit desired functionalities when being used as gene delivery materials. In this study, a novel gene delivering vector, lamellar hydroxyapatite (HAp)/DNA nanohybrid was prepared. The structure of HAp/DNA nanohybrid was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that ion-exchange occurred during the process. Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that the lamellar HAp could protect DNA from degradation of DNase I and the protected DNA could be recovered readily under acid conditions. Furthermore, the integrity of released DNA was confirmed by UV–vis spectra.

Research highlights▶ A lamellar hydroxyapatite (HAp)/DNA nanohybrid was prepared as a novel gene delivering vector. ▶ Gel electrophoresis analysis confirmed that the lamellar HAp could protect DNA from degradation of DNase I. ▶ The protected DNA in the HAp/DNA nanohybrid could be recovered readily under acid conditions.