Demir E., Ozber N., Kavakli H., Kizilel S.
Rumelifeneri Yolu College of Engineering, TR
Keywords: AFM, DNA, gold nanoparticles, photolyase
The purpose of this research is to investigate gold nanoparticles as a potential scaffold for the characterization of DNA damage and repair using atomic force microscopy techniques. The procedure consists of functionalizing the surface of gold nanoparticles with DNA which are then immobilized onto amine modified silicon or glass surfaces. Our objective is to examine various lesions in individual DNA molecules and follow in the AFM their direct reversal by DNA repair enzymes. In order to achieve this goal DNA repair proteins such as photolyase (repairs UV damaged thymine dimers in DNA using blue-light energy) is used as damage markers and imaged in complexes with DNA by AFM in order to locate and identify the damage sites. Force spectroscopy measurements determined the mechanical fingerprints of various types of DNA damage caused by UV and gamma radiation and directly follows damage reversal in the presence of the repair activities.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2009: Fabrication, Particles, Characterization, MEMS, Electronics and Photonics
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 327 - 330
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1782-7