Physical interactions between DNA and sepiolite nanofibers, and potential application for DNA transfer into mammalian cells

Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 3:6:36341. doi: 10.1038/srep36341.

Abstract

Nanofibers of sepiolite, a natural silicate belonging to the clay minerals family, might constitute a potential promising nanocarrier for the non-viral transfer of bio-molecules. We show here that sepiolite nanofibers efficiently bind different types of DNA molecules through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, cation bridges, and van der Waals forces. Moreover, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified the external silanol groups as the main sites of interaction with the DNA. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, we show that sepiolite is able to stably transfer plasmid DNA into mammalian cells and that the efficiency can be optimized. Indeed, sonication of sepiolite 100-fold stimulated DNA transfection efficiency. These results open the way to the use of sepiolite-based biohybrids as a novel class of nanoplatform for gene transfer with potential clinical applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cricetulus
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Magnesium Silicates / metabolism*
  • Nanofibers
  • Sonication
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Static Electricity

Substances

  • Magnesium Silicates
  • DNA
  • magnesium trisilicate