Molecular recognition of nucleic monomers by self-assembled films contained polycytidylic acid

Different types of multilayer films fabricated by self-assembled (SA) techn ique were examined on the binding of different nucleosides and nucleotides from water solutions. They contained polycytidylic acid (poly(C)) as specif ic sensor molecules. All the nucleosides, 5' mononucleotides and cyclonucle otides studied were found to penetrate into the inner layers of SA-films an d bind with poly(C) molecules in the whole volume of the film. The SA-film with polycation cover layer binds negatively charged nucleotides 3-10 times better than neutral nucleosides. This type of film shows the high selectiv ity of binding of complementary guanylic monomers from the mixtures of nucl eotides or nucleosides. The row of monomer binding preference depends on th e type of polycation which is presented in the film. SA-film with poly(C) c over layer do not demonstrate any selectivity of nucleotide or nucleoside b inding. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.