Fig. 5.

RNA hydrolysis. a A model RNA we have used in a number of our publications similar in size and sequence composition to most mRNAs from torula yeast (TY-RNA) was used. The RNA was incubated in double-distilled water over time in the presence or absence of nanoparticles either copper (Cu NP), iron phosphate (FePO4), silver (Ag NP) or carbon nanotube (CNT) at 37 degrees celcius and samples removed at the same time point and assayed by RNA agarose gel electrophoresis (RAGE). Loss of band staining intensity indicates RNA degradation whereas maintenance of RNA band staining intensity indicates stabilization. b Similar to above, RNA was incubated in 10% FBS/DMEM at room temperature in the presence of zinc oxide (ZnO) NP or FePO₄ NP versus control which was RNA alone in the absence of nanoparticle. Again samples were removed over time and assayed by RAGE, presence of the stained RNA band over time again indicates stability and resistance from nuclease or RNase degradation from the serum. c mRNA encoding Luciferase was translated in vitro from standard rabbit reticulocyte and the relative luminescence standardized to RNA in the presence or absence of either iron phosphate (FePO₄) or copper (Cu) nanoparticle