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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Preparation of Binary and Ternary Deep Eutectic Systems
Published on: October 31, 2019
Interaction and structural stability of DNA in choline chloride and polyol-based deep eutectic solvents
Ambrish Kumar1, Rafat Ali2, Kamalakanta Behera3
1Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, U.P., India.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer eco-friendly DNA preservation. DNA maintains its B-form structure and stability in DESs, showing potential for DNA biotechnology and nanobiotechnology applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
Background:
- Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are biodegradable, low-toxicity alternatives to traditional solvents.
- Their tunable properties make them promising for biomolecular applications, especially DNA preservation.
- Maintaining DNA structure and stability in novel media is crucial for DNA biotechnology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction and structural integrity of DNA in various choline chloride and polyol-based DESs.
- To characterize DES physicochemical properties and their impact on DNA.
- To explore DESs as media for DNA preservation and nanobiotechnology.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of DESs.
- Circular Dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy to assess DNA conformation.
- UV-Vis spectroscopy and DNA melting studies for interaction and stability analysis.
- Dye displacement assays and molecular docking to determine binding modes and efficiency.
Main Results:
- DNA maintained its native B-form structure and stacking in all studied DESs, even at high concentrations.
- DESs interacted with DNA via electrostatic forces between DNA phosphates and choline cations.
- DNA exhibited enhanced thermal stability in polyol-based DESs.
- DESs bind to DNA minor grooves and intercalate, displacing common DNA dyes.
- Molecular docking identified tetraethyleneglycol as having the most favorable binding energy with DNA.
Conclusions:
- Choline chloride and polyol-based DESs are suitable media for maintaining DNA structural integrity and stability.
- DESs demonstrate versatile interaction pathways with DNA, including electrostatic interactions and groove binding/intercalation.
- These findings support the potential of DESs in DNA nanobiotechnology, extraction, and preservation.
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