Structure and surface dynamics of genomic DNA as probed with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: Trace level sensing of nucleic acids extracted from plants

Surface-enhanced Raman spectra of Solanum tuberosum L. DNAs. Markers with * indicate buffer bands. [Display omitted] •SERS marker bands of plant genomic DNA structures were discussed.•Binding affinity of DNA with AgNPs and DNA structure were modified at acidic pHs.•(Sub)picosecond surface dynamics of some plant DNA structural groups were established. In this work surface-enhanced Raman spectra of nucleic acids from in vitro grown Solanum tuberosum L. cultivars and populations (Buzau population, Lazarea population, Patraque d’Auvergne, RFA Roclas Clone 2.6 Ferma, Vitelotte Negresse, Roclas Clone C, Blue Congo) were measured with 532 nm laser line. Main surface-enhanced Raman modes of these DNAs have been analyzed. Also, DNA from two grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties were studied at acidic pHs by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Modified SERS intensities and wavenumber shifts of nucleic acids bands were observed upon lowering the pH, being a proof of binding affinity changes of DNA with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and of structural modifications induced at acidic pHs in DNA molecular groups. Furthermore, the (sub)picosecond surface dynamics of DNA extracted from leaf tissues of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties was investigated. In this work, the bands full widths at half-maximum (FWHMs) have values in the wavenumber range from 8 to 34 cm−1. (Sub)picosecond molecular dynamics of DNA groups with global relaxation times between 0.31 ps − 1.33 ps has been found.