[Surface modification and DNA-binding assessment of nano-hydroxyapatite]

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Biology

Context:

• Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) is a key biomaterial with potential applications in gene delivery.
• Surface modification is crucial for optimizing nanoparticle functionality.
• Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer known for its DNA-binding properties.

Purpose:

• To investigate the effect of polyethylenimine (PEI) surface modification on the DNA-binding ability of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA).
• To assess the capacity of modified nHA to protect DNA from nuclease degradation.
• To determine optimal conditions for DNA binding and protection by nHA-PEI nanoparticles.

Summary:

• nHA particles were synthesized and modified with PEI using co-precipitation-hydrothermal methods.
• Transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential measurements characterized the nanoparticles before and after modification.
• Electrophoresis assays evaluated DNA-binding and protection against nuclease digestion at various pH and concentrations.

Impact:

• PEI-modified nHA exhibited enhanced DNA-binding affinity and superior protection against nuclease digestion compared to unmodified nHA.
• Optimal DNA binding and protection were observed at a concentration of 250 µg/ml and pH 7.0.
• Surface-modified nHA demonstrates potential as an effective non-viral vector for DNA binding and transfer applications.