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

本论文主要研究DNA在重金属离子检测中的作用以及纳米材料对DNA的吸附作用。几十年来，DNA一直以其遗传功能而闻名，但在过去的二十年里，人们发现某些DNA分子可以选择性地结合有毒的重金属离子。因此，这些DNA分子有希望用于检测有毒金属。这种基于DNA的传感器具有成本效益，可以在现场使用，并提供实时反馈。在接下来的五年里，我们计划使用修饰的DNA来更有效地检测各种有毒金属离子。我们独特的方法仅在反应位点引入单一修饰，因此可以保持DNA的低成本。此外，我们研究了各种表面的改性DNA吸附，以建立新的方法来将DNA附着到它们的分析和材料应用。这项拟议的工作将有利于加拿大在基础生物化学，分析化学，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. *****