Lysozyme coated DNA and DNA/SWNT fibers by solution spinning

DNA fibers were prepared by solution spinning of DNA in a lysozyme (LSZ) coagulation/gelation bath. Strong positive charges carried by LSZ protein condensed the DNA (strong negative charged) molecules resulting in self-assembly and the formation of fibrillar structures in a gel-like network. DNA/LSZ fibril formation was found to be dependent on the ratio of DNA to LSZ. A minimum 0.1 wt.-% of LSZ was necessary to condense 0.1 wt.-% of DNA into micro-fibrils. Macroscopic fiber spinning was possible by introducing a 0.1 wt.-% DNA aqueous solution into a 0.2 wt.-% LSZ coagulation bath which resulted in fibers with ≈20 µm diameter. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) were also incorporated into these fibers to explore the possibility for creating hybrid materials. All DNA-based fibers exhibit strong birefringence confirming molecular orientation along the fiber axis. Due to the presence of LSZ, the fibers exhibit antimicrobial activity against bacteria like Micrococcus lysodeikticus.