DNA isolation by galactoacrylate-based nano-poly(HEMA-co-Gal-OPA) nanopolymers

Isolation of DNA is one of the important processes for biotechnological applications such as investigation of DNA structures and functions, recombinant DNA preparations, identification of genetic factors and diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. The aim of this study was to synthesis and characterizes the galactoacrylate based nanopolymers with high surface area and to investigate the usability of these synthesized nanopolymers for DNA isolation studies. Nanopolymers were synthesized by the surfactant free emulsion polymerization technique by using the monomers of 2-hydroxyl ethylmethacrylate and 6-O-(2^′-hydroxy-3^′-acryloyloxypropyl)-1,2:3,4-di-O-isopropylidene-α-D-galactopyranose. Galactoacrylate origin of these newly synthesized nanopolymers increased the interaction between DNA and nanopolymers. Prepared nanopolymers were characterized by SEM, FT-IR and ZETA sizer analysis. Synthesized nanopolymers were spherical, and their average particle size was about 246.8 nm. Adsorption of DNA onto galactoacrylate based nanopolymers was investigated by using different pHs, temperatures, ionic strength, DNA concentrations and desorption studies and maximum DNA adsorption was found to be as 567.12 mg/g polymer at 25 °C, in pH 5.0 acetate buffer. Reusability was investigated for 5 successive reuse and DNA adsorption capacity decreased only about 10% at the end of the 5th reuse.