Photosensitive Surfactants with Various Hydrophobic Tail Lengths for the Photocontrol of Genomic DNA Conformation with Improved Efficiency

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterisation of photosensitive cationic surfactants with various hydrophobic tail lengths. These molecules, called AzoCx, are used as photosensitive nucleic acid binders (pNABs) and are applied to the photocontrol of DNA conformation. All these molecules induce DNA compaction in a photodependent way, originating in the photodependent polarity of their hydrophobic tails. We show that increasing hydrophobicity strongly enhances the compaction efficiencies of these molecules, but reduces the possibility of reversible photocontrol of a DNA conformation. Optimal performance was achieved with AzoC5, which allowed reversible control of DNA conformation with light at a concentration seven times smaller than previously reported.

Light and host–guest inclusion mediated salmon sperm DNA/surfactant interactions

“…Lynn and Abbott reported the reversible condensation of DNA using a redox-active surfactant [39]. Compared with the other external stimuli to trigger DNA decompaction and release, light input is considered to be advantageous benefitting from its capability of remote control [40][41][42]. For example, Lee developed a means to control DNA compaction and gene delivery by light input in cationic or cationic-anionic surfactant system [43,44].…”

Manipulation of small particles at solid liquid interface: light driven diffusioosmosis

“…In this way, azobenzene containing surfactant bears an enormous potential for practical applications. One can, for instance, trigger compaction and decompaction of a DNA molecule by light in a reversible way2021222324252627282930, or remotely control the size of microgels by applying periodically UV and blue irradiation313233. One can modify polymer brushes with these molecules and make them photoresponsive with respect to topography and surface energy343536.…”

DNA interaction with cis- and trans- isomers of photosensitive surfactant

“…This zone also shifts to higher surfactant concentration. We conclude on the base of experimental results that more hydrophobic trans-isomer of surfactant provides more effective DNA packaging [1,8]. It causes DNA precipitation at smaller concentration (more precisely, z value) compared to cis-isomer (which was received by 10 minutes-UV irradiation of surfactant solution before mixing with DNA).…”