Similarities and differences in the influence of polycations and oligomers on DNA conformation and packaging

Network Formation of DNA/Polyelectrolyte Fibrous Aggregates Adsorbed at the Water–Air Interface

“…Studies of DNA/polyelectrolyte complexes (or polyplexes) have resulted in the creation of nonviral gene delivery vehicles, mimicking viral activities in the delivery of nucleic acids. [4][5][6][7][8][9] The extracellular and intracellular aggregation of nucleic acids with other natural polyelectrolytes can be connected with inflammatory processes in the human body and neurodegenerative diseases. [10][11][12] One of the hypotheses of the onset of life considers the interaction of individual nucleotides with simple polycations.…”

“…14,15 In spite of the intensive studies in this subject area, some details of the mechanism of interactions of nucleic acids with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and of DNA compaction remain unresolved. 5,7 One of the reasons of the existing difficulties consists of the non-equilibrium nature of investigated systems. DNA/polyelectrolyte nanoaggregates can be kinetically trapped and their morphology depends on the way of mixing of the components.…”

“…Although the interactions of nucleic acids with oppositely charged macromolecules leading to the formation of compact aggregates have been studied for more than forty years, numerous recent reviews show that this subject still attracts great interest, and some important details of the interactions remain to be elucidated. − Investigation of the mechanism of compaction of DNA molecules and their interactions with histones in the course of chromatin formation is one of the key problems of molecular biology. On the other hand, DNA condensation by polycations is also an important step in the gene and drug delivery into intended tissues and cells.…”

“…On the other hand, DNA condensation by polycations is also an important step in the gene and drug delivery into intended tissues and cells. Studies of DNA/polyelectrolyte complexes (or polyplexes) have resulted in the creation of nonviral gene-delivery vehicles, mimicking viral activities in the delivery of nucleic acids. − The extracellular and intracellular aggregation of nucleic acids with other natural polyelectrolytes can be connected with inflammatory processes in the human body and neurodegenerative diseases. − One of the hypotheses of the onset of life considers the interaction of individual nucleotides with simple polycations . An important application of DNA/polyelectrolyte complexes in technology consists of the preparation of conductive nanowires and chemiresistors. , …”

Electrostatic Interactions in the Formation of DNA Complexes with Cis- and Trans-Isomers of Azobenzene-Containing Surfactants in Solutions with Di- and Trivalent Metal Ions

“…The formation of nanosized structures in DNA−surfactant solutions is similar to that in DNA solutions with polycations, as it follows from the phase diagrams. 13,30,34 Cationic surfactants are amphiphilic molecules. Their binding to DNA decreases the charge density of the macromolecule and also transforms the environment around the double helix via the formation of a hydrophobic "coat" of the surfactant tails, which leads to a change in the DNA− solvent interaction.…”