A novel method for the functionalization of γ-irradiated single wall carbon nanotubes with DNA

• Published in: Nanotechnology Vol. 20; no. 44; p. 445602
• Main Authors: Jovanović, S P, Marković, Z M, Kleut, D N, Romčević, N Z, Trajković, V S, Dramićanin, M D, Todorović Marković, B M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England IOP Publishing 04.11.2009
• Subjects: Air; Ammonia - chemistry; Animals; DNA, Single-Stranded - chemistry; Gamma Rays; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Models, Molecular; Nanotechnology - methods; Nanotubes, Carbon - chemistry; Nanotubes, Carbon - radiation effects; Osmolar Concentration; Salmon; Sodium Chloride - chemistry; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Static Electricity; Water - chemistry
• ISSN: 0957-4484; 1361-6528
• DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/20/44/445602

In this work we describe a novel method for highly efficient functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by DNA wrapping. Exposure of SWCNTs to gamma-irradiation (50 kGy) has lowered by one order of magnitude the amount of single stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) required for SWCNT modification. The resulting hybrids of gamma-irradiated SWCNTs and ssDNA were characterized by optical absorbance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the morphology of hybrids. While gamma-irradiation in three different media has significantly improved the process of SWCNT dispersion, irradiation in ammonia was the most efficient. The gamma-irradiated SWCNTs functionalized with ssDNA were stabilized by electrostatic forces. This preliminary study suggests that gamma-irradiation can significantly improve the functionalization of SWCNTs with DNA.