DNA binding capability of nano-C60 to pBR322 and phenotypic analysis of potential binding effects

Abstract

Nano particles, particularly nano-C, have been part of a growing research initiative due 60 to their unique properties. These particles are being investigated for medically relevant purposes, such as drug delivery. Disturbingly, part of this research has suggested the binding of these particles to DNA, which could be detrimental if used in vivo. In this study, we used spectroscopy to test the ability of nano-C to bind to pBR322 plasmid, as well as 60 the phenotypic effect of this binding on transformed E. coli DH5 α cells. Although we showed that the nano-C did interact with DNA, as measured by a significant decrease in 60 absorbance at 260nm, no phenotypic effects of this change were measurable when the plasmid was introduced into the E. coli cells. As such, no conclusion could be drawn concerning the in vivo effects of nano-C on cells; however, the presence of nano-C was 60 60 conclusively shown to alter the DNA in vitro.