In this study, the
DNA sorption performance of
diatomite-Zn(II) embedded supermacroporous monolithic p(
HEMA)
cryogels were investigated for the purpose of designing a novel adsorbent that can be utilized for
DNA purification, separation and immunoadsorption studies such as removal of
anti-dsDNA antibodies from
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient plasma. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [p(
HEMA)]-based monolithic
cryogel column embedded with Zn(2+)-
diatomite particles was prepared by
free radical cryo-copolymerization of
2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (
HEMA) with
N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBAAm). The polymerization reaction was initiated by N,N,N',N'-tetramethylene
diamine (
TEMED) and
ammonium persulfate (APS) pair in an
ice bath. After thawing, the monolithic composite
cryogels were used for affinity sorption and then subsequent desorption of
DNA molecules from aqueous solutions.
Diatomite (DA) particles were characterized by XRF and BET method. The characterization of composite
cryogel was done through SEM imaging. The effects of pH of the
solution, initial
DNA concentration, ionic strength, temperature and flow rates on adsorption were investigated to determine the optimum conditions for adsorption/desorption experiments. The particle embedding procedure was shown to yield significantly enhanced adsorption of
DNA on the adsorbent. Furthermore, considering its excellent bio-compatibility, p(
HEMA)
cryogels are promising a candidate for further
DNA sorption studies.