DNA fragment translocation through the lipid membrane assisted by carbon nanotube

In this study, the DNA translocation process through POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine) membrane with the assistance of CNTs was explored by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our simulation results demonstrated that the CNTs could insert steadily into the POPC membrane, and DNA molecules tends to insert into the inner space of CNTs. With the assistance of CNTs, the free energy of nucleotides passing through the POPC membrane decreases. Moreover, the free energy of nucleotides (DA (deoxyadenosine), DT (deoxythymidine), DC (deoxycytidine), and DG (deoxyguanosine)) passing through POPC membrane follows the order: DA (deoxyadenosine)> DG (deoxyguanosine)> DC (deoxycytidine)> DT (deoxythymidine). These results may promote the design and application of CNT-based gene delivery system.Graphical abstract
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research