Abstract
The co-assembly of DNA and cationic surfactants in solution will induce the formation of ordered nanocomplexes (such as lamellar and hexagonal structures) due to their strong electrostatic interactions, which has attracted broad attention for the promising applications in biotechnology, medicine, and gene delivery. However, the complexes of DNA and nonionic surfactants have been rarely reported. Here, we have investigated the phase behavior of DNA and tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12EO4) nonionic surfactant in water, and demonstrated that the weak electrostatic interaction and the hydrogen bonding between DNA and C12EO4 molecules as well as the hydrophobic forces led to the formation of various ordered aggregates. Typically, planar lamellas ( L α l) and closed vesicles ( L α v) were determined by 2H NMR, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM), freeze fracture transmission electron microscopy (FF-TEM), and rheological measurements. Notably, the phase transition between planar lamellas ( L α l) and vesicles ( L α v) can be precisely tuned through the concentration, the ratio of DNA and C12EO4, and the temperature. Our results provide an in-depth understanding of the self- assembly of DNA and nonionic surfactants, thus making way for the future development of nonviral carriers of DNA for gene therapy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
