Label-Free DNA Secondary Structure Analysis using an Innovative Elliptical Dichroism Spectrometer

DNA is the template for all living organisms' crucial function. The primary base composition of DNA is comprised of purine and pyrimidine bases. While this primary base composition plays the major role in providing crucial genetic information, the structure of DNA has also been linked to function, thus, analysis of DNA secondary structure is important. There are many current techniques for analyzing DNA primary sequence composition, however, DNA secondary structural analysis instruments are sparse. Most used instruments include Circular Dichroism (CD) Spectrometry; however, this instrument is large in size and high in cost. To combat this, we introduce our innovative Elliptical Dichroism Spectrometer (EDS), based closely on the working principle of a CD spectrometer, for DNA secondary structural analysis. Previously, we validated its ability to distinguish between protein secondary structures alpha-helix, and beta-sheet, with potential implication for noninvasive disease detection. Building upon this, we validated the EDS as a smaller and lower cost tool for label-free DNA secondary structural analysis with potential for biomedical diagnostics.