DNA/metal interactions: from bioinorganic and surface chemistry to analytical applications

在这个方案中，我们探索了DNA在有毒重金属离子检测和纳米材料对DNA的吸附方面的功能。DNA的遗传功能早在几十年前就已为人所知，但在过去的二十年里，人们发现某些DNA分子可以选择性地与有毒的重金属离子结合。因此，这些DNA分子在检测有毒金属方面具有广阔的应用前景。这种基于DNA的传感器性价比高，可以在现场使用，并提供实时反馈。在未来五年，我们建议使用经修饰的DNA来更有效地检测多种有毒金属离子。我们独特的方法只在反应部位引入单一的修饰，因此可以保持DNA的低成本。此外，我们还研究了不同表面对DNA的吸附，以建立新的方法将DNA连接到它们上，用于分析和材料应用。这项拟议的工作将使加拿大在基础生物化学、分析化学方面受益，并将有助于环境保护。*****

In this proposal, we explore the function of DNA for toxic heavy metal ion detection and adsorption of DNA by nanomaterials. DNA has been known for its genetic function for decades, but in the last twenty years, it was discovered that certain DNA molecules can selectively bind toxic heavy metal ions. Therefore, these DNA molecules are promising for detecting toxic metals. Such DNA-based sensors are cost-effective and can be used on-site with real-time feedback. In the next five years, we propose to use modified DNA to more effectively detect a broad range of toxic metal ions. Our unique approach introduces only single modifications at the reaction site so that the low cost of DNA can be maintained. In addition, we study modified DNA adsorption by various surfaces to establish new methods to attach DNA to them for analytical and materials applications. This proposed work will benefit Canada in fundamental biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and will help environmental protection. *****