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Probing DNA assembly into nanoparticles with shortDNA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2012

Preethi L. Chandran
Affiliation:
Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics, NICHD, Laboratory of Bioengineering and Physical Science, NIBIB, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A.
Emilios K. Dimitriadis
Affiliation:
Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics, NICHD,
Ferenc Horkay
Affiliation:
Section on Tissue Biophysics and Biomimetics, NICHD,
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Abstract

DNA is an anionic polyelectrolyte, which occupies a large volume in saltfree solution due to the coulomb repulsion between the charged groups. Inthe presence of high valence cations, DNA condenses into nanoparticles. DNAnanoparticles have generated a lot of interest as a preferred vehicle fordelivering therapeutic DNA in gene therapy. The efficiency of gene deliveryis determined by stability and compactness of the particles. However notmuch is known about the organization of DNA within the particles. The largepolymer cations condense DNA rapidly, with no distinct intermediate stagesthat give insight into the arrangement of DNA within the nanoparticle. Inour work, we form nanoparticles with short DNA strands to slow down thecondensation process. The polymer cation is polyethyleneimine with graftedsugar moieties. Distinct intermediate stages are observed with Atomic ForceMicroscopy. The assembly occurs via the formation of fiber condensates,which appear to be the unit of DNA condensation. Nanoparticles form bycompaction of interweaving networks of fiber condensates.

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Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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