Point Defects in Double Helix Induced by Interaction of Silver Nanoparticles with DNA

TL;DR

This study investigates how silver nanoparticle interactions with DNA induce point defects through cross-linking, affecting DNA stability and potentially leading to cell death, using spectroscopic and calorimetric methods.

Contribution

It reveals that AgNPs cause DNA cross-linking via Ag+ ions, acting as point defects, a novel insight into nanoparticle-DNA interactions.

Findings

Ag+ ions penetrate DNA and form cross-links

DNA acts as a catalyst in redox reactions involving AgNPs

Point defects in DNA can lead to cell death

Abstract

Interaction of DNA-silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) complexes with H3O+, Cu2+ and Cl- has been studied by spectro-photometric, spectro-fluorimetric and differential scanning micro calorimetric methods. It is shown that DNA is a catalyst in redox reactions taking place in AgNPs adsorbed on its surface. We also demonstrate that Ag+ ions that are freed after corrosion of nanoparticles show absorption into the inner part of DNA double helix, i.e. they make the so-called cross-links between complementary base pairs of DNA. The cross-links present point defects of DNA which leads in-vivo to cell death.