RNA Molecules Made to Create Tiny New Inorganic Particles

Electron micrograph images of palladium particles formed in the presence of cycle 0 pool modified RNA (left) and the cycle 8 RNA pool (middle and right).

Scientists at North Carolina State University have discovered that RNA can be used to create tiny, novel, inorganic particles.
Dr. Daniel Feldheim, associate professor of chemistry, Dr. Bruce Eaton, professor of chemistry, and doctoral student Lina Gugliotti used a new technique to coax specific sequences of lab-manufactured ribonucleic acid to catalyze the synthesis of an inorganic material – in this case palladium – into hexagonally-shaped particles less than a millionth of a meter in size.
Particles like these cannot be easily produced by other known methods, the researchers say. The research could speed the discovery of new materials for many applications, including electronic devices and fuel cells.
The research appears in the April 16 issue of Science.
The NC State researchers found that these particle formations occurred rapidly, with most forming within one minute. They also discovered that only very small amounts of metal – and even smaller amounts of RNA – were required for particle growth.
Feldheim and Eaton say the technique allows them to “harness evolution in a beaker.”
“The method exploits the ability of RNA to evolve in response to selection pressures,” Feldheim said. “In this case we forced RNA sequences to evolve to form palladium nanoparticles that cannot be formed in the absence of RNA.”
“This research shows RNA as a ‘smart’ catalyst because it can be replicated,” Eaton said. “Most other catalysts can’t be replicated.”
The researchers have applied for a provisional methods patent on the technique used to form the inorganic particles. Future work will center on explaining how the process works and creating particles with other inorganic materials.
Research funding came from NC State and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Much of the statistical work on the project was accomplished in the university’s Genome Research Lab.
Properties:NC State University
Source:www.ncsu.edu