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Developing tardigrade-inspired material: Track membranes functionalized with Dsup protein for cell-free DNA isolation
Mikhail Zarubin1, Evgeny Andreev2, Elena Kravchenko1
1Dzhelepov Laboratory of Nuclear Problems, International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (DLNP JINR), Dubna, Russia.
Biotechnology Progress
|May 3, 2024
Summary
Tardigrade damage suppressor protein (Dsup) functionalized membranes effectively capture cell-free DNA. This biomaterial innovation offers new possibilities for DNA isolation and manipulation in various applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Extremophile Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Extremophilic proteins, especially tardigrade disordered proteins, are valuable for functionalized biomaterials.
- Tardigrade damage suppressor protein (Dsup) protects DNA from damage and shows potential for cell-free DNA isolation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To functionalize DNA-nonadsorbing polyethylene terephthalate track membranes with Dsup protein.
- To evaluate the capacity of Dsup-functionalized membranes for cell-free DNA adsorption.
Main Methods:
- Covalent bonding of Dsup protein to polyethylene terephthalate track membranes using glutaraldehyde.
- Filtration experiments to assess cell-free DNA adsorption capacity.
Main Results:
- Successful functionalization of track membranes with Dsup protein.
- Demonstrated ability of immobilized Dsup to adsorb cell-free DNA.
- Achieved an accumulation capacity of 70 ± 19 mg m⁻² for cell-free DNA.
Conclusions:
- Dsup-functionalized track membranes show promise as a biomaterial for cell-free DNA isolation.
- Potential applications include filtration, separation, accumulation, and storage of cell-free DNA from diverse samples.
