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Published on: July 6, 2016
Binding of tetrabutylammonium bromide based deep eutectic solvent to DNA by spectroscopic analysis
Rizana Yusof1, Khairulazhar Jumbri2, Haslina Ahmad3
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) show strong binding to DNA, influencing its structure. Shorter alkyl chains and specific ratios enhance DNA binding, indicating potential for nucleic acid stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- The interaction mechanisms between DNA and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are not well understood.
- Investigating DNA binding characteristics in DESs is crucial for understanding their potential applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) based DESs with varying hydrogen bond donors to calf thymus DNA.
- To elucidate the binding energy and interaction mechanisms of DESs with DNA.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to study the binding interactions.
- Displacement studies using DAPI were conducted to determine DNA binding sites.
Main Results:
- TBABr:EG (1:5) demonstrated increased binding constants (Kb) and decreased Gibbs energy (ΔG°), indicating stronger DNA binding.
- All synthesized DESs bound to the minor groove of AT-rich DNA, displacing DAPI.
- TBABr:Gly exhibited enhanced hydrogen bonding with DNA bases and potent DAPI quenching, with high Stern-Volmer constants (Ksv).
Conclusions:
- DESs bind strongly to DNA via electrostatic, hydrophobic, and groove binding interactions.
- The composition of DESs, specifically alkyl chain length and hydroxyl group count, significantly influences DNA binding affinity.
- DESs show promise for solvating and stabilizing nucleic acid structures.

