Adsorption and Elution of Nucleic Acids: Mesoporous Materials and Methods

Physical protection of nucleic acids from the environment for improved stability through encapsulation or adsorption has been reported using various materials, including liposomes, metal particles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and polymers. In an extension of that approach, our previous study demonstrated the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with and without covalently attached stabilizing reagents, such as sugar and bovine serum albumin, for improving the stability of RNA. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the potential of silicate sorbents bearing chemical functionalities for stabilization of nucleic acid targets. Materials offering charged groups, metal chelating sites, and 𝜋-bonding sites are considered. Adsorption and elution of RNA, DNA, and single stranded DNA (ssDNA) are evaluated as is subsequent elution of the bound target. A sorbent functionalized with primary amine groups showed promising results for RNA and ssDNA stabilization. The impact of the sorbents on long term viability the targets is also evaluated. Storage of adsorbed targets at room temperature and 37∘C over a period of 200 d indicates the potential for stabilization of RNA and ssDNA using several of the functionalities. None of the sorbents improved the stability of DNA either under room temperature or 37∘C storage.