tRNA conjugation with chitosan nanoparticles: An AFM imaging study

D. Agudelo, L. Kreplak, H. A. Tajmir-Riahi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The conjugation of tRNA with chitosan nanoparticles of different sizes 15,100 and 200kDa was investigated in aqueous solution using multiple spectroscopic methods and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Structural analysis showed that chitosan binds tRNA via G-C and A-U base pairs as well as backbone PO2 group, through electrostatic, hydrophilic and H-bonding contacts with overall binding constants of KCh-15-tRNA=4.1 (±0.60)×103M-1, KCh-100-tRNA=5.7 (±0.8)×103M-1 and KCh-200-tRNA=1.2 (±0.3)×104M-1. As chitosan size increases more stable polymer-tRNA conjugate is formed. AFM images showed major tRNA aggregation and particle formation occurred as chitosan concentration increased. Even though chitosan induced major biopolymer structural changes, tRNA remains in A-family structure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150-156
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Volume85
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 1 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This work is supported by grant from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier B.V.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Economics and Econometrics
  • General Energy

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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