The DNA–DNA spacing in gemini surfactants–DOPE–DNA complexes

Abstract

Gemini surfactants from the homologous series of alkane-α,ω-diyl-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (CnCS12, number of spacer carbons n=2–12) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) were used for cationic liposome (CL) preparation. CLs condense highly polymerized DNA creating complexes. Small-angle X-ray diffraction identified them as condensed lamellar phase LαC in the studied range of molar ratios CnGS12/DOPE in the temperature range 20–60°C. The DNA–DNA distance (dDNA) is studied in dependence to CnGS12 spacer length and membrane surface charge density. The high membrane surface charge densities (CnGS12/DOPE=0.35 and 0.4mol/mol) lead to the linear dependence of dDNA vs. n correlating with the interfacial area of the CnGS12 molecule.