An important part of biomedical research is understanding binding properties of molecules and uncovering ways to engineer compounds to cross cell membranes for cellular uptake. Researchers often need to discover ways to facilitate transport of biomolecules into a cell. Sometimes viral vectors are used, but these can lead to complications such as triggering immune response, cytotoxicity, and limited targeting specificity.
Researchers have recently found a potential, alternate mechanism using a mineral called Sepiolite.
Sepiolite is a natural, fibrous clay that is capable of binding with multiple types of biological molecules—however, much remains to be discovered. In a paper titled “Competition Between Protein and DNA for Binding to Natural Sepiolite Nanofibers,” researchers describe a series of experiments to see how well DNA, monoclonal antibodies, and Bovine Serum Albumin can electrostatically bind to Sepiolite, using zeta potential as a key driver.
This analysis showed that different biomolecules absorb onto the sepiolite when they are at a negative zeta potential and when the sepiolite is at a positive zeta potential, determined by manipulating the solution’s pH. Furthermore, loading the solution with divalent cations, such as Ca2, increased the zeta potential of the biomolecules without inverting the zeta potential of the sepiolite. This greatly increased the absorption of all of the tested biomolecules.
Brookhaven Instruments is happy to know our NanoBrook 90 Plus PALS light scattering instrument was used to determine the zeta potential of the sepiolite and biomolecule compounds, and therefore able to shed light on the binding properties.
Brookhaven Instruments, with a legacy of pioneering in light scattering and zeta potential analysis, is committed to advancing its technology to provide reliable and innovative solutions that support modern scientific breakthroughs in nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.
Contact us today to learn more about our light scattering solutions for particle size and zeta potential analysis.