Electrostatic interaction effect for human DNA separation with functionalized mesoporous silicas

This work describes the development of highly efficient human DNA separation with functionalized mesoporous silica (FMS) materials. To demonstrate the electrostatic interaction effect between the target DNA molecules and FMS, three aminofunctionality types comprised of a mono-, a di-, and a tri-amine functional group were introduced on the inner surfaces of mesoporous silica particles. Systematic characterization of the synthesized materials was achieved by solid-state 29Si and 13C-NMR techniques, BET, FT-IR, and XPS. The DNA separation efficiency was explored via the function of the amino-group number, the amount used, and the added NaCl concentration. The DNA adsorption yields were high in terms of the use of triaminofunctionalized FMS at the 10 ng/L level, and the DNA desorption efficiency showed the optimum level at over 3.0 M NaCl concentration. The use of FMS in a DNA separation process provides numerous advantages over the conventional silica-based process.

Graphical abstractControl of electrostatic interaction for DNA biding by aminofunctionalized modification: mono-amine (MA), di-amine (DA), and tri-amine (TA). The red-ball means the amine groups of FMS.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Highly efficient and direct DNA separation was demonstrated with aminofunctionalized FMS. ► Systematic characterization of the synthesized materials was achieved by solid-state 29Si and 13C-NMR techniques, BET, FT-IR, and XPS. ► The DNA separation efficiency was explored via the function of the amino-group number, particles size, amount of FMS used, and the NaCl concentration. ► The electrostatic interaction between the target DNA labeled by cyanine (Cy-5) and aminofunctionalized FMS were achieved via confocal microscopy.