DNA encapsulation in mesoporous silica–sodium alginate hybrid gel platforms: Proof-of-concept for data storage applications
Source abstract
Abstract
Given the parallels between therapeutic gene delivery and DNA encapsulation for data storage, mesoporous silica emerges as a promising platform. Here, for the first time in literature, the loading, preservation, and release of DNA in mesoporous silica–sodium alginate (MPS–NaAlg) hybrids are explored. Double-stranded DNA was encapsulated during sol–gel synthesis of hybrids containing 0.15–0.60 g NaAlg. Encapsulation, stability, and accessibility were assessed by microscopy, FTIR, XPS, PL spectroscopy, and BET; functional stability/accessibility were further probed via ethidium bromide intercalation, bovine serum albumin adsorption, and release in phosphate-buffered saline. Spectroscopic and BET analyses validated DNA preservation, highlighting MPS–NaAlg—especially with optimized NaAlg content—as a viable substrate for stable, accessible DNA encapsulation in bio-based data storage. Notably, the 0.15 g NaAlg hybrid showed superior structural integrity, low nonspecific binding, and sustained DNA accessibility. These hybrids also offer ample scope for modification/functionalization to enhance next-generation performance.Graphical abstract
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