Zwitterionic Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) Brushes Functionalized Threads for DNA Extraction from Complex Cell...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Thread-based analytical devices offer low-cost, portable, and biodegradable solutions for biomolecule detection.
• Zwitterionic polymers exhibit excellent antifouling properties, crucial for selective biomolecule capture.
• Current DNA extraction methods often rely on expensive and less environmentally friendly solid-phase extraction techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes modified cotton thread (PSBMA@threads) as a novel material for DNA solid-phase extraction.
• To assess the efficiency, selectivity, and stability of PSBMA@threads for nucleic acid isolation.
• To compare the performance of PSBMA@threads with commercial DNA extraction kits.

Main Methods:

• Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) was used to synthesize PSBMA polymer brushes on cotton threads.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were employed for material characterization.
• DNA extraction efficiency was evaluated using cell lysates, followed by PCR amplification, and antifouling properties were assessed through protein adsorption and oil repellency tests.

Main Results:

• Successful functionalization of cotton threads with PSBMA polymer brushes was confirmed by material characterization techniques.
• PSBMA@threads demonstrated selective DNA capture from complex cell lysates, showing resistance to protein adsorption and oil fouling.
• Optimized extraction yielded sufficient DNA for successful PCR amplification from tumor cells, with comparable performance to commercial silica columns.
• The material maintained its DNA extraction capability after six months of ambient storage, indicating high stability.

Conclusions:

• PSBMA@threads represent a promising, cost-effective, and stable alternative for DNA extraction in analytical applications.
• The biodegradable nature and excellent antifouling properties of PSBMA@threads enhance their suitability for nucleic acid isolation.
• This innovative thread-based approach offers significant potential for simplifying and improving DNA purification processes.