A DNA aptamer as a new target-specific chiral selector for HPLC

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• DNA aptamers offer specific molecular recognition capabilities.
• Chiral separation of enantiomers is crucial in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a standard analytical technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immobilization of a DNA aptamer on a chromatographic support.
• To explore the binding mechanism and optimize conditions for enantioselective peptide separation.
• To evaluate the potential of DNA aptamers as chiral selectors in HPLC.

Main Methods:

• Immobilization of a stereospecific DNA aptamer on a chromatographic support.
• Investigation of parameters like temperature, pH, and salt concentration on peptide retention.
• Analysis of enantioselectivity and separation efficiency using HPLC.

Main Results:

• The DNA aptamer column exhibited significant enantioselectivity, strongly retaining the D-peptide enantiomer.
• Optimal binding conditions were identified, involving dehydration, charge-charge interactions, and conformational changes.
• Baseline separation of peptide enantiomers was achieved, and the aptamer column demonstrated long-term stability.

Conclusions:

• DNA aptamers can be effectively utilized as chiral selectors for HPLC.
• The study provides insights into the molecular interactions governing aptamer-peptide binding.
• DNA aptamer-based chromatography presents a promising approach for enantioselective separations.