Structural Investigation of Nucleic Acids Architectures and Ligand Interactions

We employ UV Resonant Raman spectroscopy for the selective probing of nucleic acids and DNA. This method allows us to analyze the stability of DNA structures at different temperatures, investigate motif formations, and assess oxidative damage. We also explore the impact of novel green solvents on DNA stability. Additionally, structural analysis of new nucleic acid-based materials such as ionogels, DNA hydrogels, and self-assembled nanostructures can be performed by implementing operando and in situ UV Resonance Raman experiments.
The portable DUV Raman system (Photon Systems) with excitation at 248 nm offers a selective molecular sensitivity especially for guanine and adenine rich systems, with the possibility to implement temperature-dependent experiments. This approach benefits of minimum interference from solvent buffers and of the use of relatively low concentrations (micromolar) of the samples.
Different excitation wavelengths in the range 210-270 nm are also available with the tunable UV Resonance Raman micro-setup (Crisel Instrument) for the investigation of cytosine and thymine-based systems.
With UV Resonant Raman, we can also study the ligand-binding interactions of nucleic acids and their assembly, including RNA and drug molecules, to reveal the details of DNA structure and interactions, facilitating advances in genetic research and drug development. These studies can be implemented for in vitro experiments in physiological conditions through the collection of UV Raman vibrational images of living cells and pathogens.