High-efficient Isolation of Plant Viral RNA via TMAOH-modified Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles show great potential in RNA enrichment and separation for rapid detection of viral infection. Fundamental studies on the interaction between RNA and nanoparticles with uniform size and surface property are necessary for designing better adsorbent and optimizing the conditions. In this study, monodispersed superparamagnetic magnetite(Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition and modified with tetramethylammonium hydroxide[N(CH₃)₄OH, TMAOH] that become highly dispersible and stable in water. High-efficiency plant viral RNA adsorption onto TMAOH/Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the extracted solution of plant leaves was demonstrated. The changes of surface charge of TMAOH on the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles with pH contribute to the RNA adsorption and elution. Separating viral RNA with magnetic nanoparticles could be a simple, quick and highly efficient method.