DNA condensation induced by a cationic polymer studied by atomic force microscopy and electrophoresis assay

Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2008 Mar 15;62(1):151-6. doi: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2007.09.032. Epub 2007 Oct 2.

Abstract

We synthesized a cationic polymer, poly(PEGMA)-4N, which has brush-like chains and four positively charged amino groups at the end of the molecules. DNA condensation induced by poly(PEGMA)-4N was investigated through electrophoresis assay by its ability to retard DNA mobility and to inhibit HindIII enzyme cleavage. The detailed structures of DNA condensates induced by poly(PEGMA)-4N were observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM). Interactions between polymers and DNA are mainly attributed into depletion effect and electrostatic interaction. Positively charged amino groups in poly(PEGMA)-4N interact with DNA through electrostatic interaction, and depletion effect also takes effect because poly(PEGMA)-4N is a flexible polymer. Comparing the contributions that the two interactions gave in DNA condensation process, we found that depletion effect played a major role compared with electrostatic interaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Electrophoresis, Agar Gel
  • Methacrylates
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Polyethylene Glycols

Substances

  • Methacrylates
  • poly(PEGMA)-4N
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • DNA