Coexistence of Oligonucleotide/Single-Chained Cationic Surfactant Vesicles with Precipitates

Abstract

It is well known that DNA (including oligonucleotide) and cationic surfactant can form insoluble complex. In this study, by turbidity measurement and TEM image, we found that the single-chained cationic surfactant could transform the oligonucleotide/single-chained cationic surfactant precipitates into vesicles and the vesicles coexist with the insoluble complex. The hydrophobic interaction between the cationic surfactant and the precipitates plays a key role in vesicle formation. Moreover, when the temperature reaches a specific value where the oligonucleotide begins to melt, the oligonucleotide/single-chained cationic surfactant vesicles form far easier. Thus, the more extended the oligonucleotide, the much easier for vesicle formation. As far as we know, the study about the oligonucleotide/cationic surfactant vesicle formation is very limited. Therefore, considering the growing importance and significance of DNA (including oligonucleotide)/amphiphile systems in medicine, biology, pharmaceutics, and chemistry, this study should provide some helpful information in further understanding these systems.