DNA transcription into diverse porous silicas by a co-structure directing route: chiral, ring and ordered nanochannel arrays

Abstract

DNA and DNA superstructures were transcribed into pore-structure-tunable mesoporous silicas via the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged phosphate groups of DNA backbones and the positively charged quaternary ammonium groups of a co-structure directing agent (CSDA).

Organically Functionalized Mesoporous Silica by Co‐structure‐Directing Route

“…[109][110][111][112] However, diffi culties are apparent in mineralizing DNA into silica materials by the sol-gel method, in that double-helix structure of DNA is stabilized within pH 4.3 − 11.9, and under these conditions, DNA and silica are both negatively-charged. [ 113 ] To solve this problem, Shinkai et al utilized cationic amphiphilic molecules with an ammonium group and a guanidinium group (DMAB) to convert DNA into a cationic template that could interact electrostatically with anionic silicate species, and by this means the DNA has been easily transcribed into rod-like and circular silica materials. [ 114 ] The co-structure-directing route has proved effective in mineralizing DNA and its superstructures.…”

“…By this means, different forms of inorganic materials have been prepared, including silica nanofi bers ( In the synthesis of silica nanofi bers by using DNA as the template, the alkalinity of the synthesis system and the concentration of TMAPS are considered vital factors in the control of the structures and morphologies. [ 113 ] By increasing the could be achieved conventionally. On the other hand, compared to the conventional synthesis, the mesostructures of the cationic-surfactant-templated mesoporous silica prepared by the co-structure-directing route are diverse and designable, as a result of the highly controllable and facilely changeable interactions between the cationic surfactant and the inorganic species (CSDA).…”

“…[ 113 ] It is expected that the arrangement of the functional groups might follow the arrangement of the phosphate of DNA due to their interactions in the co-structure-directing synthesis, which in other words means the retention of chiral imprint of the DNA molecules. However, careful investigations are still needed to reveal the arrangement of the functional groups.…”

“…II) Reproduced with permission. [ 113 ] Copyright 2009, The Royal Society of Chemistry. III) Reproduced with permission.…”

Fabrication of Mesostructured Silica Materials through Co-Structure-Directing Route

“…By increasing the alkalinity or decreasing the concentration of the TMAPS, the ionization degree of DNA increases, which results in the different congregate states of DNA during transcription, and finally the different structures of nanofibers. 78 Recently, the synthesis of DNAsilica nanofibers has also been achieved by using APS as CSDA. It shows a threelevel helical structure, including (1) DNA double-helix, (2) lefthanded DNA packing, and (3) right-handed fibrous twisting.…”