Protein/DNA/Inorganic Materials: DNA Binding to Layered α‐Zirconium Phosphate Enhances Bound Protein Structure and Activity

Successful intercalation of calf thymus DNA into the galleries of layered alpha zirconium phosphate (α-Zr(HPO4)2· H2O, α-ZrP) was facilitated by met-hemoglobin (Hb) and tetrabutylammonium (TBA) hydroxide. Intercalation of DNA, in turn, improved the properties of the co-intercalated protein. The protein structure, for example, was improved significantly and activities were enhanced by more than fivefold.