Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Methionine Functionalized Biocompatible Block Copolymers for Targeted Plasmid DNA Delivery
Published on: August 6, 2019
Synthesis and characterization of a biocompatible monotyrosine-based polymer and its interaction with DNA
Radhika Mehta1, Rina Kumari, Prolay Das
1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Patna, India-800013. director@iitp.ac.in anilkb@rtc.iitkgp.ernet.in.
Abstract:
A novel tyrosine-based copolymer containing l-tyrosine (Tyr) and diglycidylether of bisphenol A(DGEBA) was synthesized and studied for its interaction with DNA for potential applications in biological systems. The synthesis of the polymer was optimized by varying monomer ratios using 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst to yield polymers with a Mw of 7500-8000. Further characterization by FTIR, NMR and thermal analysis supported the formation of the monotyrosine-DGEBA polymer. The interaction of the 1 : 1 DGEBA-tyrosine copolymer with DNA was investigated by gel electrophoresis, thermal melting, and fluorescence spectroscopy in ratios ranging from 0.5 : 1 to 12 : 1 polymer-DNA (w/w). The copolymer was seen to lend stability to the DNA without damaging it and demonstrated endonuclease resistivity that is conducive for biological applications. Scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and zeta potential studies of the polymer-DNA complex also established that the polymer is capable of encapsulating DNA leading to the formation of the DNA-polymer polyplex nano-assembly. The potential of the polymer for biological applications was further reinstated by its non-cytotoxicity.
More Related Videos
08:30Gene-therapy Inspired Polycation Coating for Protection of DNA Origami Nanostructures
Published on: January 19, 2019
09:04Sequence-specific and Selective Recognition of Double-stranded RNAs over Single-stranded RNAs by Chemically Modified Peptide Nucleic Acids
Published on: September 21, 2017
Related Concept Videos
ATP and Macromolecule Synthesis
Most macromolecules are composed of single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers.
Conversion of...
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Polymers