title: tRNA conjugation with chitosan nanoparticles: An AFM imaging study.
abstract: The conjugation of tRNA with chitosan nanoparticles of different sizes 15,100 and 200 kDa was investigated in aqueous solution using multiple spectroscopic methods and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Structural analysis showed that chitosan binds tRNA via G-C and A-U base pairs as well as backbone PO2 group, through electrostatic, hydrophilic and H-bonding contacts with overall binding constants of KCh-15-tRNA=4.1 (±0.60)×10(3)M(-1), KCh-100-tRNA=5.7 (±0.8)×10(3)M(-1) and KCh-200-tRNA=1.2 (±0.3)×10(4)M(-1). As chitosan size increases more stable polymer-tRNA conjugate is formed. AFM images showed major tRNA aggregation and particle formation occurred as chitosan concentration increased. Even though chitosan induced major biopolymer structural changes, tRNA remains in A-family structure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry-Biochemistry and Physics, University of Québec at Trois-Rivières, C. P. 500, Trois-Rivières (Québec), G9A 5H7, Canada.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Agudelo
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Sir James Dunn Building Dalhousie University, Lord Dalhousie Drive, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kreplak
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry-Biochemistry and Physics, University of Québec at Trois-Rivières, C. P. 500, Trois-Rivières (Québec), G9A 5H7, Canada. Electronic address: tajmirri@uqtr.ca.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Tajmir-Riahi
mesh_terms: D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D002942:Circular Dichroism; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012343:RNA, Transfer / Q000737:chemistry*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
chemical_list: D048271:Chitosan; D012343:RNA, Transfer
keywords: AFM; Binding site; Chitosan; Particle formation; Spectroscopy; tRNA