Graphene oxide severely inhibits DNase activity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Graphene oxide (GO) is a versatile 2D nanomaterial with broad applications.
• The biological effects of extensive graphene oxide exposure remain under investigation.
• Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) plays a critical role in DNA degradation and cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the novel biological effects of graphene oxide (GO).
• To determine the mechanism by which GO interacts with deoxyribonuclease (DNase).
• To explore the potential applications of GO in modulating DNase activity.

Main Methods:

• Assessing GO's effect on DNA degradation by DNase in vitro.
• Observing GO's impact on nuclear fragmentation induced by DNase.
• Analyzing the interaction between GO, DNA, and DNase using adsorption studies.
• Identifying key amino acid residues in DNase affected by GO.

Main Results:

• Graphene oxide (GO) was found to suppress deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity.
• GO inhibited DNA degradation and nuclear fragmentation mediated by DNase.
• GO did not directly interact with DNA or affect the DNase-DNA binding.
• GO demonstrated strong adsorption of l-phenylalanine and l-histidine from DNase's active site.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide (GO) inhibits DNase activity through adsorption of critical amino acids in the enzyme's active site.
• This interaction impacts DNase-dependent cellular processes, including apoptosis.
• GO presents potential applications for treating diseases linked to abnormal DNase function.