RNA is of interest because of its relevance to the RNA world hypothesis as it can act as both a catalysts and an information storage molecule. Many aspects have been explored, but the research of transferring RNA into organic solvents and performing reactions while RNA is in a non-polar phase is largely unknown. This research was done to transfer the hammerhead ribozyme, a small catalytic RNA, into organic solvents with the help of a phase transfer catalyst, dodecyl and didodecyl quaternary ammonium bromides. The success of the transfer into chloroform, dioxane, DMSO, or water was monitored with UV-vis absorbance. All of the solvents tested showed at least a small amount of ribozyme solubility in the presence of the transfer catalyst. This result builds a foundation for future studies of biomolecules non-aqueous phases to better understand the origins of life on Earth or elsewhere in our solar system.

Transferring RNA into organics

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.