The C60 fullerene molecules integration by ds-, ss-DNA molecules in fluids: Optical spectroscopy characterization of the biointerface organization

Abstract

In order to develop nanocarbon photoprobes for the DNA molecule estimation in fluids, we have constructed ones using hydrated C60 and C60 derivative aggregates predicting their integration by ds-, ss-DNA molecules in aqueous suspensions. Their photoresponse under UV–vis excitation depends from electronic features of biomolecular surrounding – natural ds-, ss-DNA molecules – was studied by UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. We detected features in absorption spectra at 275–380 and 235–290 nm ranges and in photoluminescence spectra at 490–635 and 525–635 nm ranges, caused by the absorption and photoluminescence at interface between the C60, C60 derivative cores and the ds-, ss-DNA molecules, respectively. Spectrum analysis is based on models of electrostatic and/or hydrophobic interactions of C60, C60 derivatives with charged phosphate groups and bases of the ds-, ss-DNA molecules in aqueous suspensions.