Surface engineering of nanoparticles anchored meso-macroporous silica heterostructure: An efficient adsorbent for DNA

The present article for the first time puts forth the adsorption of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) onto the copper oxide nanoparticles impregnated meso-macroporous silica (MMS) framework and sets the stage for formulating MMS as carriers of nucleic acids. Prior to the adsorption of DNA, the silica surface was made compatible by aminosilanization of the MMS surface using aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The present methodology resulted in high-density amination of the MMS material as pointed out by the elemental and thermal gravimetric analysis. FTIR spectrum, FESEM micrograph, and zeta potential value confirmed the surface passivation of the MMS surface. Non-isothermal kinetic models validated that APTES modified composite was thermally stable. Mesopore ordering and the surface area of the functionalized material were estimated by smallangle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and N-2 adsorption-desorption analysis respectively. Modified material offered us a convenient platform for adsorption-desorption of calf thymus-DNA (CT-DNA). Adsorption efficiency of the APTES grafted MMS for CT-DNA has been found as high as 95.96%. Adsorption isotherms affirmed monolayered chemisorption of CT-DNA on the APTES@MMS. APTES grafted MMS can act as a potent, reusable, economical, and highly efficient adsorbent for CT-DNA. In summary, this work highlights the mechanistic and kinetic aspects underlying the adsorption behavior of DNA onto the MMS framework.