Revealing DNA interactions with exogenous agents by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Standard DNA analysis relies on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which fails with chemically modified DNA.
• This limitation hinders understanding of DNA damage mechanisms and genotoxicity.
• New analytical methods are needed for characterizing DNA-chemical interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fast, high-throughput, and low-cost method for analyzing DNA interactions with exogenous chemical agents.
• To characterize DNA complex architecture and properties upon binding with various agents.
• To provide a tool for quantifying the extent of DNA binding by chemical agents.

Main Methods:

• Utilized surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy for DNA analysis.
• Investigated interactions of DNA with representative agents: cisplatin (chemotherapeutic), methylene blue (intercalator), and Hg(II) (metal ion).
• Analyzed spectral changes in SERS to identify structural information and binding extent.

Main Results:

• SERS spectra provided rich structural information on DNA complex architecture.
• Demonstrated quantitative recognition of DNA-agent binding.
• Successfully characterized interactions with cisplatin, methylene blue, and Hg(II).

Conclusions:

• SERS spectroscopy is a powerful tool for characterizing DNA-chemical interactions.
• The developed method offers a viable alternative to PCR for damaged DNA analysis.
• This approach supports drug design, toxicology studies, and environmental monitoring.