Hierarchical growth and shape evolution of iron hydroxyl phosphate dendrites obtained without surfactants for highly efficient adsorption of DNA

ABSTRACT

In the current study, novel hierarchical Fe₅(PO₄)₄(OH)₃·2H₂O dendrites were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal system in the absence of surfactants employing FeCl₃·7H₂O and NaH₂PO₄ as the starting materials. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the product is comprised of particles having long central trunks with secondary branches, preferentially grown in a parallel direction with a definite angle to the trunks. The effects of the experimental parameters on the morphology of the resultant materials were investigated. Ostwald ripening and the self-assembly process were proposed as a possible formation mechanism. Adsorption tests of macromolecular salmon sperm DNA demonstrated high adsorption efficiency, revealing the promising applicability of the synthesized dendrites to enhanced DNA separation or drug/gene delivery.

KEYWORDS:

• Hydrothermal crystal growth
• dendrites
• DNA adsorption
• morphology control

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21401062, 21473067), the Natural Science Fund of Jiangsu Province (BK20141247 and BK20140447), Scientific and Technological Program of Lianyungang (SH1503), the “Lianyungang 521 project”, the “Jiangsu Overseas Research & Training Program for University Prominent Yong & Middleaged Teachers and Presidents”, and the “Six talent peaks project in Jiangsu Province” (2014-xcl-006).