Synthesis and characterization of thermoreversible biopolymer microgels based on hydrogen bonded nucleobase pairing

J Am Chem Soc. 2003 Aug 27;125(34):10250-6. doi: 10.1021/ja035211t.

Abstract

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a thermoreversibly cross-linked biopolymer microgel based on protein, DNA, and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) components. The DNA assembles into a trifunctional three-way junction (TWJ) with single-stranded overhangs. PNA oligomers complementary to these overhangs and bearing terminal biotin groups hybridize to the DNA TWJ and simultaneously bind to the tetrafunctional protein avidin, leading to a cross-linked system. Dynamic light scattering experiments reveal that micron-sized particles are formed. Static light scattering was used to characterize the internal structure of these microgels, which were found to have a fractal dimension of 1.85, indicative of a loose network structure. Heating disrupts the weakest component in the system, namely the PNA-DNA hybrid, resulting in dissolution of the microgel, while cooling restores the hydrogen bonding leading to reassembly of the microgel. Variation of the nucleotide sequence permits tuning of the gelation temperature with fine control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Avidin / chemistry
  • Base Sequence
  • Biotin / chemistry
  • DNA / chemical synthesis
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Gels
  • Hot Temperature
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Light
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Oligonucleotides / chemical synthesis
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids / chemical synthesis
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids / chemistry*
  • Proteins / chemical synthesis
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Scattering, Radiation

Substances

  • Gels
  • Oligonucleotides
  • Peptide Nucleic Acids
  • Proteins
  • Avidin
  • Biotin
  • DNA